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

Under Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended), your landlord is responsible for all major maintenance and repairs that affect the structural integrity of the property or make it unfit for habitation. A recurring mold issue stemming from a water leak or building envelope failure, like a compromised roof after heavy rain, falls squarely under this obligation. You must notify them in writing immediately.

The damp smell on your clothes confirms the mold is active and the humidity level in that closet is critically high. Given its growth since the December rains, the source is likely persistent moisture trapped within the ceiling or wall, not just surface condensation. This requires professional diagnosis to identify the root cause—be it a hidden leak from the roof, inadequate insulation causing condensation inside the wall, or a breach in the external vapor barrier—all common in villas after extreme weather.

While you are responsible for general upkeep like cleaning vent grilles, a significant mold remediation like this is the landlord's duty. When you notify them, request a professional inspection. A proper assessment involves moisture mapping and often air or surface sampling to identify the mold type, as what appears as "black mold" can be one of several species with varying implications. The remediation must address the moisture source first; simply wiping the visible patch will guarantee its return.

Until it is resolved, keep the closet doors open and consider using a portable dehumidifier in the bedroom to help control the ambient humidity, which is especially high during this time of year. Do not attempt to clean it with bleach yourself, as this can aggravate the spores and does not address the underlying problem. Your priority is to document the issue and formally communicate with the property owner.