Who is responsible for mold from inside the wall?« Back to Previous Page
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The wall behind our sofa in the living room has a huge dark patch of mold that’s been slowly growing since the heavy rains in Al Quoz a couple of months ago. We’ve tried wiping it down, but it just comes back worse and the dampness seems to be coming from inside the wall. Our landlord says it’s our fault for not ventilating properly, but we run the AC constantly. Who is actually responsible for fixing something like this – us as tenants or the building owner?
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Under Dubai rental law, the landlord is typically responsible for fixing mold that originates from a structural issue or building defect, such as water ingress from outside. Since the mold started after heavy rains and the dampness is coming from inside the wall, this strongly suggests a leak in the building envelope, which is the owner's responsibility to repair.
Constant AC use can sometimes contribute to condensation issues, but it does not cause a leak from within the wall. Your landlord's claim about ventilation is likely incorrect in this scenario; the core issue is water intrusion, not tenant lifestyle. For a problem of this scale, a professional inspection is necessary to identify the moisture source—often a cracked seal, leaking pipe, or compromised waterproofing—which is a structural repair. You should formally notify your landlord in writing about the persistent issue and request a proper remediation. If they refuse, you can file a complaint with the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center (RDC). The remediation process must address the root cause; simply wiping the mold is ineffective and it will return. A qualified inspector can provide a documented report on the moisture source, which serves as vital evidence for any dispute. |
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