Who is responsible for mold remediation costs in Dubai rentals?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law, responsibility hinges on the source of the moisture causing the mold. The landlord is generally responsible for the structural integrity of the building, including fixing leaks in the roof, external walls, or plumbing that originate from common areas. The tenant is typically responsible for issues arising from their own use, like failing to run the AC adequately to manage humidity or not ventilating bathrooms.

Given your description of the mold starting after heavy rains and spreading from the ceiling, this strongly suggests an infiltration issue from the building envelope, which is the landlord's responsibility to rectify. Dubai's high humidity and year-round AC use can lead to condensation issues, but a leak from a rain event is a structural defect.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best) with clear photos of the mold and a description of its origin after the March rains. Request a professional inspection to identify the moisture source. For a growing patch of black mold, especially with health symptoms present, a professional assessment is critical to document the cause and required remediation scope.

If the landlord refuses to act, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. They will examine the evidence to determine fault. Do not attempt to remediate it yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize spores and worsen the problem. The remediation cost responsibility follows the fault.