Is landlord responsible for mold in my JVC rental?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is typically responsible for addressing the structural cause of mold, which appears to be your situation. The persistent damp smell and spreading spots behind a wardrobe suggest a hidden leak in the plumbing or building envelope, or inadequate insulation leading to condensation—all structural issues the property owner must rectify.

Your responsibility as a tenant is generally limited to reporting the issue in writing to the landlord or property manager immediately and allowing reasonable access for inspection and repairs. Running a dehumidifier demonstrates you're attempting to manage the environment, but it cannot resolve an active water intrusion.

For a case like this in JVC, a professional inspection is crucial to identify the exact moisture source. A certified mold assessor can determine if the wall cavity is wet and pinpoint the origin, which is essential evidence for your landlord. In many Dubai buildings, the constant AC use can create significant condensation if drainage lines are blocked or insulation is poor, a common trigger that falls under the landlord's maintenance duties.

Document everything with dated photos and written communication. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a formal complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. Cleaning the visible mold itself may be a shared cost discussion, but remedying the root cause to prevent regrowth is unequivocally the landlord's legal obligation.