Is landlord responsible for mold removal in rental villa?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is generally responsible for addressing structural issues and maintaining the property in a habitable condition. Since mold is often a symptom of a hidden moisture source—like a leaking pipe, rising damp, or inadequate insulation—the responsibility to investigate and fix that underlying cause typically falls on the landlord.

Your first step should be to formally notify the landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos of the affected wall. They are obligated to investigate the source of the moisture. In a humid climate like Dubai's, this is often condensation from AC units or a breach in the building envelope that allows humid air inside, where it condenses on cooler walls.

However, responsibility can depend on the cause. If the moisture problem is due to tenant behavior (e.g., not using the AC for dehumidification, blocking ventilation, or an internal spill that wasn't dried), the tenant may be liable for the resulting damage. For a case where the mold has spread significantly, a professional inspection is needed to identify the exact moisture source and species of mold, which determines the remediation protocol. This documented assessment is the key evidence for establishing responsibility.

For immediate action, move the sofa away from the wall to improve air circulation. Do not attempt to clean it with bleach, as this can spread spores and only addresses surface discoloration, not the root problem. The landlord should arrange for proper remediation, which involves fixing the moisture issue, then safely removing the contaminated materials.