Who pays for mold removal from ceiling leak?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai tenancy law, the responsibility for structural repairs—including fixing leaks that cause mold—falls on the landlord. This is outlined in Law No. 26 of 2007, which states the landlord must maintain the property to ensure it is habitable. If the leak originates from a common area, the building's owner's association is typically responsible.

Your situation points to a leak, not just condensation. The recent heavy rains are a common trigger, often revealing pre-existing issues with the building envelope or a leaking pipe from the apartment above. While tenants are expected to ventilate properly to manage humidity, a leak is a structural defect. Document everything: take clear, dated photos showing the progression of the mold and its location directly at the ceiling corner, which strongly suggests a water intrusion point.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best) about the suspected leak and the resulting mold growth, attaching your evidence. Request that they arrange for a professional inspection to identify and repair the source of the water. For a case this severe, a proper inspection with moisture meters and possibly thermal imaging is needed to verify the leak's origin. The cost for mold removal itself is generally tied to the repair; if the landlord is responsible for the leak, they are also responsible for the remediation it caused. If they refuse, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center in Dubai (RDC).