Who pays for hidden mold repair in rental, tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the responsibility for repairs depends on the cause. The landlord is obligated to maintain the property's core structure, which includes the integrity of walls, roofs, and plumbing. If this mold is due to a structural issue like a hidden water leak from faulty pipes, a cracked wall, or inadequate external waterproofing, the repair cost falls to the landlord.

However, tenant liability arises if the damage is proven to be from your specific use, such as failing to ventilate the property adequately. Given that the mold was hidden behind furniture and the room has felt damp, the cause is likely pre-existing or structural. Document everything immediately with clear, date-stamped photographs of the mold and its location. Check your original move-in inspection report (the initial handing-over report) to see if any dampness or damage in that area was previously noted.

Formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue, including the photos, before your lease renewal. In a humid climate like Dubai's, where AC condensation and building envelope leaks are common, this is frequently a landlord responsibility. For a hidden issue of this scale, a professional inspection is crucial to definitively identify the moisture source; this documented report from a certified provider is your strongest evidence in any dispute with the landlord over who must pay for the remediation.