Is landlord responsible for mold repair in rental apartment?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is generally responsible for repairs related to the main structure of the building and issues affecting the habitability of the apartment. This includes leaks from external walls, roofs, or common AC systems that lead to mold. You, as the tenant, are responsible for maintenance arising from your own actions or negligence, like interior water spills or 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. The location behind the wardrobe suggests a possible hidden leak in the external wall or condensation from an AC unit, which typically falls under the landlord's purview to investigate and repair. Given Dubai's high humidity, condensation is a common culprit that requires addressing the source, not just cleaning the visible mold.

For a definitive cause, a professional inspection is recommended to identify if the moisture source is structural (landlord's duty) or due to internal condensation/tenant lifestyle (potential shared cost). The remediation cost responsibility follows the cause. Landlords must fix the source of the water intrusion; the cost to clean and repaint may be negotiated. Always communicate in writing and refer to your tenancy contract for specific maintenance clauses.