Who is responsible for fixing mold, tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai, the landlord is generally responsible for resolving structural issues that cause mold, such as leaking pipes, faulty waterproofing, or inadequate ventilation. Tenants are typically responsible for issues stemming from their own lifestyle, like failing to use the AC appropriately to manage humidity or not reporting water leaks promptly.

Given the high humidity and condensation issues common here, mold behind a wardrobe is often due to a lack of air circulation or a hidden leak in the external wall. Your first step is to formally notify the landlord or property management company in writing, describing the issue and mentioning the health symptoms. It's helpful to include photos of the mold. Politely reference that under the rental law, structural repairs are their obligation. For a stronger case, you can suggest a professional inspection to determine the exact moisture source.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC) in Dubai. For your family's health, consider a professional mold assessment to identify the species and the root cause; this provides a documented report you can share with the landlord to substantiate your claim. Remediation often involves fixing the moisture source, removing the contaminated materials, and treating the area with specialized antimicrobials.