Am I responsible for mold on my rental property wall?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai rentals, structural issues like water intrusion causing mold are typically the landlord's responsibility, especially in humid climates like JVC where condensation behind furniture is common. The black and green patches spreading behind your wardrobe strongly suggest an underlying moisture problem, not just surface condensation.

You should immediately report this in writing to your landlord or property management company. Under standard Dubai rental regulations (EJARI), landlords are responsible for maintaining the property's structure and addressing issues affecting habitability, which includes mold caused by leaks or inadequate insulation. Document the mold with dated photos and note your previous attempt to clean it, as this demonstrates the issue is recurring.

Vinegar only addresses surface mold you can see; it cannot treat the root moisture source or mold growing within the wall. A professional inspection is needed to identify the moisture source—often a leaking pipe, capillary action from the slab, or condensation from AC units—and assess the full extent. Since you’re renting, do not proceed with remediation yourself; the landlord should arrange for a proper assessment and any necessary repairs to the building envelope before cleanup begins. This prevents the mold from returning and ensures it’s handled safely.