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

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. This includes addressing the root cause of mold, which is almost always a persistent moisture issue like a hidden pipe leak, faulty external waterproofing, or inadequate insulation causing condensation.

Your situation—black spots reappearing after wiping, coinciding with high humidity—points to an ongoing moisture source within the wall cavity. This is a structural maintenance item, not superficial cleaning. Since your husband's allergies are aggravated, this is a health and habitability issue. You should formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best) with clear photos, request a professional inspection to find the moisture source, and demand proper remediation.

For your own records, document all communication. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. Do not attempt to fix this yourself with bleach or paint, as it will only mask the problem temporarily. The mold will return until the underlying moisture intrusion is professionally identified and repaired. In a humid climate like Dubai's with year-round AC use, improper fixes can lead to much larger problems behind the walls.