Are tenants or landlords responsible for mold removal?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai tenancy law, responsibility for mold removal depends on the source of the moisture. If the mold is a result of a structural issue, like a leaking pipe inside the wall, a faulty AC drain line, or water seepage from outside, the landlord is typically responsible for the repairs and remediation. However, if the mold is caused by tenant behavior, such as inadequate ventilation or failing to use the AC, the tenant may be liable.

Given your location in JVC and the recent humidity spike, the cause is likely environmental condensation, which is extremely common here. The constant AC operation is meant to manage humidity, but if the unit is undersized, not draining properly, or the wall has poor insulation, condensation can still form behind furniture. Running a dehumidifier is a good step, but it may not address the root cause.

Your first action should be to formally notify your landlord or property manager in writing, with photos. They have an obligation to provide a habitable property. For a spreading case like this, a professional inspection is advised to identify the exact moisture source—whether it’s a building envelope issue or an internal AC problem. A company with a microbiology lab can test to identify the mold type, which is critical for determining the correct remediation method and verifying it was effective. Do not attempt to simply paint over it, as this will not solve the underlying moisture problem and the mold will return.