Is mold treatment the landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai, responsibility for mold treatment typically depends on the cause. Under standard Ejari tenancy contracts, landlords are responsible for fixing structural issues causing water intrusion or persistent dampness, which are common in older Deira buildings. This includes leaks in the roof, walls, or plumbing. As the tenant, you are generally responsible for addressing mold caused by daily living activities, like poor ventilation leading to condensation.

Your situation—a growing patch in a closet worsened by high humidity—strongly suggests a condensation issue, which is extremely common here due to year-round AC use creating cold surfaces that attract moisture from Dubai's humid air. However, the underlying cause (e.g., a hidden pipe leak or inadequate insulation) could shift responsibility.

Document the issue with photos and immediately notify your landlord or property management in writing. They should arrange for a professional inspection to determine the moisture source. Do not attempt to clean significant black mold yourself, as improper disturbance can release spores. A proper remediation plan addresses the moisture source first, then contains and removes the mold. For health concerns with children, a professional assessment is advised to identify the mold species and the most effective remediation strategy.