Who is responsible for mold in a rental unit?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai rentals, responsibility typically falls on the landlord to repair mold resulting from structural issues like a leaking roof, faulty insulation, or broken pipes. The tenant is responsible if the mold is caused by their negligence, such as failing to use the AC appropriately to manage the extreme humidity.

Your situation points to a common dispute. The landlord's claim that you don't run the AC enough is difficult to prove. Keeping it at 24°C, even when out, is a reasonable and common practice to manage humidity, which is the primary driver of mold growth here. The initial cause is more likely a pre-existing problem like inadequate ceiling insulation or a slow leak from a pipe or the roof above, exacerbated by our humid climate. The heavy dew you mentioned is a significant clue, as it suggests a condensation issue often related to the building envelope, not tenant behavior.

For a definitive answer, a professional inspection is needed to identify the moisture source. This is not just a cosmetic clean-up; the root cause must be fixed. Document the issue with photos and formally notify your landlord in writing. If they remain uncooperative, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. An inspector would then determine liability based on the expert findings. In many cases like this, where the tenant is using the AC responsibly, the landlord is found responsible for the remediation.