Is landlord responsible for bedroom mold repair cost?« Back to Previous Page

The wall behind my wardrobe in the bedroom has a huge patch of black mold that I just discovered while deep cleaning. We've lived in this Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for over a year, but it's gotten much worse since the humidity started a couple of months ago. Who is responsible for fixing this and the cost—is it me as the tenant or is my landlord supposed to handle it?
Posted by James Jones
Asked on May 22, 2026 6:00 am
Under Dubai rental law, the landlord is typically responsible for repairs related to the building's structure and envelope, which includes fixing the underlying cause of mold like a hidden water leak or seepage from external walls. You, as the tenant, are generally responsible for maintenance and damage caused by your own actions or negligence, such as failing to ventilate the property adequately.

The first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos of the mold. They are obligated to investigate and address the source of the moisture. This is a common issue in JVC due to construction materials and the high humidity, which can lead to condensation inside walls if there's a thermal bridge or leak.

Do not attempt to paint over or clean a large patch yourself, as this is a sign of a significant moisture problem. The wardrobe must be moved to allow the wall to fully dry and be treated. A professional inspection is strongly recommended to determine the exact moisture source and extent; remediation often requires specialized drying equipment and antimicrobial treatments to prevent recurrence. The cost responsibility for the actual mold remediation itself can depend on the lease agreement's specific clauses and the determined cause, so review your contract.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 22, 2026 12:47 pm