Is landlord responsible for mold behind furniture in rental?« Back to Previous Page

Landlord responsibility for mold in Dubai rentals typically depends on the cause. The general principle is that structural issues leading to moisture (like a leaking pipe in the wall, faulty external waterproofing, or a cracked AC drain line) are the landlord's responsibility to repair. However, if the moisture source is tenant-related (like persistent failure to use the AC, blocking ventilation, or indoor drying of laundry), the remediation cost may fall to you.

The location behind furniture, especially on an exterior wall in a humid area like Jumeirah, often points to condensation. This occurs when warm, humid air meets a cold surface, like a wall cooled by an AC unit. While you should have adequate airflow, the underlying cause could be insufficient insulation—a structural flaw. Your contract likely references Law No. (26) of 2007, which obligates the landlord to maintain the property's condition for habitation.

Given the patch is significant and you've just discovered it, document it thoroughly with photos and videos. Notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately. Do not attempt to simply paint over it, as the mold will return if the moisture source isn't addressed.

For a case this advanced, a professional inspection is wise to identify the exact moisture source and mold type. This provides an objective report you can share with the landlord to clarify responsibility. The process involves moisture mapping and often includes lab analysis of the mold to determine the species, which is crucial for planning the correct remediation strategy and ensuring it is handled safely.