Is my landlord responsible for bedroom mold and damage?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai tenancy law, the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes addressing leaks and water ingress that lead to mold. However, the tenant is responsible for reporting issues promptly and maintaining adequate ventilation to prevent condensation.

The black spots and musty smell you describe are classic signs of a moisture issue, likely exacerbated by JVC's high humidity and the wall being blocked by a wardrobe, which restricts airflow. The first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing with photos. They are typically obligated to investigate and repair the source of the moisture, such as a leak from an adjacent bathroom or a breach in the building envelope.

For the mold remediation and damage repair itself, responsibility can depend on the cause. If the mold is due to a building defect (like a leaking pipe or faulty external waterproofing), the landlord must fix it. If it was caused by tenant behavior (e.g., not using the AC to control humidity, blocking ventilation), the cost may fall to you. Given the extent you've described, a professional inspection is needed to identify the exact moisture source and species of mold, as this determines the required remediation scope.

Until it's resolved, improve airflow around the wardrobe and ensure your AC is running regularly to reduce indoor humidity levels, which are a primary driver of mold growth in Dubai's climate. Do not attempt to clean significant mold growth yourself with bleach, as this can disturb toxic spores and often fails to address the root moisture problem.