Is ceiling mold in my rental my landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Black spots at the ceiling-wall junction are almost certainly mold, a common issue in Dubai due to high humidity and the constant temperature cycling from AC units. This area is a prime spot for condensation to form, providing the moisture mold needs to grow.

Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), structural maintenance, which includes fixing leaks or seepage in walls and ceilings that cause such problems, is typically the landlord's responsibility. Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos of the affected area. Point out that it appears to be a result of a building integrity issue, like condensation or a potential leak, which they are obligated to address.

Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this only removes the visible stain and not the root cause. The underlying moisture problem must be solved first. For extensive growth, a professional inspection can identify the exact moisture source and the mold species, which is valuable documentation for your landlord. Remediation involves fixing the leak or improving insulation and then properly cleaning the area to prevent recurrence. Your landlord should arrange and cover the cost of this repair to bring the property back to a habitable standard.