Who is responsible for mold investigation and removal?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai's rental market, responsibility hinges on the source of the moisture causing the mold. Given your description of dampness coming from inside the wall, this is almost certainly the landlord's responsibility. The persistent return after wiping points to an underlying structural or building envelope issue, not surface condensation from daily living.

Under typical Dubai rental contracts (EJARI), landlords are legally obligated to maintain the property's structure, including walls and the building envelope that protects against the humid external air. Your constant AC use actually supports your case, as it should be reducing indoor humidity, not causing it. Moisture seeping through from a leaking pipe, faulty waterproofing, or a crack in the external wall is a structural defect.

You should formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best) with clear photos, stating the mold reappears due to internal dampness. Request a professional inspection to identify the hidden water source. For a case this advanced, a proper investigation with moisture meters and possibly thermal imaging is needed to pinpoint the leak before any removal can be effective. Mold remediation requires fixing the water source first, then containment and removal of affected materials to prevent spores from spreading.

If the landlord refuses, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai, as they routinely side with tenants for habitability issues stemming from structural problems. Do not attempt removal yourself, as disturbing it without containment can exacerbate the problem.