Is building management responsible for mold remediation?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai, responsibility for mold remediation depends on the source of the moisture. Building management is typically responsible for addressing mold caused by structural defects, such as leaking pipes in the walls, faulty external waterproofing, or issues with the building's central AC system. These are considered maintenance issues the owner must resolve.

As a tenant, you are generally responsible for mold resulting from internal humidity and condensation from daily living activities, like showering or drying clothes indoors without proper ventilation. The mold in your closet is a common issue in Dubai's climate, often caused by a combination of high ambient humidity and cold spots from AC ducts running in the ceiling void, leading to condensation.

Your first step is to formally notify the building management or landlord in writing, with photos. They should send a technician to investigate for any leaks from adjacent bathrooms or above. If a structural leak is found, they must fix it. However, if the source is determined to be condensation, the cleanup often falls to you.

Given the symptoms your children are experiencing and the visible growth, a professional inspection is highly recommended to identify the mold species and the exact moisture source. Remediation involves more than just wiping it away; the area must be properly contained, the mold safely removed, and the underlying moisture issue resolved to prevent it from returning.