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

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for the property's structural integrity and maintenance of the building's core systems, like AC and plumbing. Responsibility hinges on the source of the moisture.

If the mold is due to a building defect—like a leaking pipe in the wall, faulty external waterproofing, or a compromised building envelope—the repair cost falls on the landlord. Your description of an older Deira building with a persistent damp feeling, even with AC, strongly suggests an underlying structural moisture issue, not just condensation.

However, if the tenant causes the moisture through specific actions (e.g., not using the AC, drying clothes indoors without ventilation, causing direct water damage), they could be liable. Simply "not ventilating" a room in Dubai's extreme humidity is rarely sufficient cause, as proper mechanical ventilation via AC is the standard and expected practice.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best), detailing the problem and requesting a professional inspection to identify the moisture source. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as disturbing it can spread spores. A certified inspector can use moisture meters and thermal imaging to pinpoint the origin. This documented evidence is crucial for establishing liability. If the landlord refuses, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre in Dubai (RDC). For health safety, a lab test can identify the mold type, which is often part of a professional inspection process.