Am I responsible for mold removal costs?« Back to Previous Page

This is a common point of contention in Dubai rentals. The responsibility hinges on the root cause. If the mold is due to your lifestyle—like consistently not using the AC to control humidity or blocking ventilation—you may be liable. However, if the dampness originates from a building defect, such as a hidden water leak in the wall, a cracked pipe, or faulty external waterproofing that allows seepage during humidity or rain, it is unequivocally the landlord's responsibility to repair the structure and address the resulting damage.

Given that the wall itself feels damp, this strongly suggests a moisture source from within the structure, not just ambient humidity. Document everything thoroughly: take clear photos and videos of the mold and the damp wall. Send a written notification to your landlord or property management company, describing the issue and requesting a professional inspection to identify the moisture source. Do not attempt to simply clean it yourself, as this will not solve the underlying water problem and it will return.

For disputes, you can reference the Dubai Rental Law, which obligates landlords to maintain the property in a condition fit for habitation, which includes addressing structural defects that cause health hazards like mold. The Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center (RDC) is the final arbitrator for such cases. A professional mold inspection report from a company with a microbiology lab can provide definitive evidence of the moisture source, which is critical for determining liability.