Who handles mold removal: tenant or landlord in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai, responsibility typically falls on the landlord for structural issues and the tenant for maintenance and negligence. Mold caused by a building defect, like a leaking pipe inside the wall or faulty external waterproofing, is the landlord's responsibility to fix. If the mold is due to tenant behavior—such as failing to run the AC consistently in humid weather, blocking ventilation with furniture, or not reporting a minor leak promptly—the remediation cost may fall to the tenant.

The climate here is a major factor; high humidity condenses on cold walls, especially behind large furniture like wardrobes, creating perfect conditions for mold. Your situation behind the wardrobe is common. First, notify your landlord in writing with photos, as this is a habitability concern. They are generally obligated to address the root cause if it's structural.

For any significant spread, a professional inspection is advised to identify the moisture source and species of mold, as this determines the remediation scope. Do not attempt to clean it with bleach yourself, as this can aggravate spores and doesn't address the underlying moisture problem. The landlord should arrange for proper remediation, which includes fixing the water source, removing the mold, and ensuring the area is dried properly to prevent recurrence. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Dubai Land Department (DLD) for dispute resolution.