Landlord or tenant responsible for mold removal cost?« Back to Previous Page

Responsibility for mold removal cost depends on identifying the source of the moisture. In the UAE, landlords are generally responsible for repairing structural defects that cause water intrusion, such as leaks in external walls, roofs, or faulty plumbing. Tenants are typically responsible for issues stemming from their own actions, like inadequate ventilation leading to condensation.

Given the mold is on an exterior wall and worsened after heavy rains, the underlying cause is likely a leak or seepage through the building envelope, which is the landlord's responsibility to fix. The high humidity here accelerates mold growth from any moisture source.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photos, and request an immediate inspection to find the water source. Do not attempt to simply clean the visible mold yourself, as the root cause must be addressed to prevent rapid regrowth. For a case this advanced, a professional inspection is needed to diagnose the moisture source and extent of contamination, as mold can spread inside wall cavities.

The remediation of the mold itself may be negotiated, but the repair of the structural leak definitively falls to the landlord under standard tenancy agreements. Keep records of all communication. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center (RDC).