Is landlord liable for mold in Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page

The landlord is typically responsible for fixing the underlying cause of the mold, which is often a building maintenance issue like a water leak, poor insulation, or faulty waterproofing. This is especially true after heavy rains, as the building envelope is the landlord's responsibility. However, tenant liability can come into play if the cause is determined to be tenant negligence, such as a failure to use the AC to control humidity or not reporting a leak in a timely manner.

For a case like yours in JVC, where the mold appeared after the February rains and is behind furniture, the source is likely a hidden leak or condensation due to the apartment's construction. You should formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best) with clear photos and request immediate remediation. They are obligated to address the health hazard.

Do not attempt to clean significant black mold yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize spores and worsen the air quality. A professional inspection can identify the exact moisture source and species of mold, which is critical for both effective remediation and establishing liability. In Dubai's climate, where AC is essential for humidity control, the landlord must ensure the system and building structure are functioning correctly to prevent these issues.