Is hidden mold in my apartment the landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, hidden mold like this is typically the landlord's responsibility to remediate under Dubai rental law. The key factor is identifying the source of the moisture. If the dampness is due to a structural issue, like a leaking pipe inside the wall, a crack in the building envelope, or faulty external waterproofing, the landlord is obligated to fix it.

Your first step is to formally notify the landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos of the damage. They should arrange for a professional to investigate the moisture source. In a high-humidity environment like the Marina, this could be condensation from an AC unit, a leak from an adjacent bathroom, or seepage from a balcony above.

Do not attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing significant mold growth without containment can spread spores throughout the apartment. A proper remediation involves fixing the water source, removing the affected plaster, treating the cavity, and replacing the building materials.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center (RDC). They will often require a professional inspection report to determine liability. A certified mold inspector can provide a documented assessment of the cause, which is strong evidence for your case.