Is fixing bedroom mold the tenant or landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai, the responsibility typically falls on the landlord to repair structural issues that cause mold, such as leaks from a faulty roof, cracked pipes in the walls, or inadequate external waterproofing that allows moisture ingress. These are considered maintenance issues pertaining to the property's structure, which the landlord is obligated to address.

As the tenant, you are generally responsible for issues stemming from your own living habits, such as persistent high indoor humidity from not using AC, drying clothes indoors without ventilation, or failing to report a minor leak in a timely manner, allowing mold to develop. The high humidity, especially after rain, can cause condensation on cold surfaces like concrete ceilings, which then promotes mold growth if airflow is insufficient.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the mold, including clear photographs. This creates a dated record of the issue. They should arrange for a professional inspection to identify the moisture source. Simply cleaning the visible mold is ineffective if the underlying water problem isn't fixed; it will return.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can reference the Dubai Rental Law, which stipulates that the landlord must maintain the property in a habitable condition. For a persistent issue affecting health, you may need to escalate through the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center (RDC). Given the mold is spreading from a ceiling corner—a classic spot for condensation or seepage—a professional assessment is crucial to determine the exact cause and assign responsibility correctly.