Who is liable for mold in a rental apartment?« Back to Previous Page

Liability for mold in a rental apartment is determined by the source of the moisture. Since the mold is on an exterior wall and appeared suddenly, the cause is likely a hidden leak from plumbing within the wall or water ingress from the building envelope, which is the landlord's responsibility to repair.

In Dubai, landlords are obligated to provide a habitable property under Law No. 26 of 2007, which includes maintaining the structural integrity of the building. You should report this to your landlord or property management immediately. Document the issue with clear photographs and a written notice, as this establishes a record. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as improper handling can spread spores and the underlying moisture issue will cause it to return.

The humid climate means condensation can also be a factor, especially if the closet is poorly ventilated and on an exterior wall that gets cold from AC. However, the rapid appearance and size of the patch strongly suggest a leak. A professional inspection can identify the exact moisture source. This diagnostic step is crucial for determining liability, as the landlord is responsible for fixing the leak, while tenant-caused moisture issues (like chronic lack of AC use) would be your responsibility. For a case this significant, a lab test can also identify the mold species, which informs the remediation protocol.