Is landlord or tenant responsible for mold in Dubai villa?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai, responsibility for mold in a rental villa is typically determined by the cause of the moisture. The landlord is generally responsible for repairing structural issues that lead to water intrusion, such as leaking pipes in the walls, a compromised building envelope, or faulty AC drainage systems that cause condensation. As a tenant, you are usually responsible for moisture generated from daily living (like shower steam or drying clothes indoors) and for maintaining adequate ventilation by using your AC properly to control humidity.

Given your description of a sudden spread behind a wardrobe in a humid room, the cause could be either. A wall leak from the outside or a cold bridge causing condensation within the wall would be the landlord's responsibility. However, placing large furniture directly against an external wall in Dubai's climate can trap humid air and drastically reduce airflow, leading to condensation and mold growth that is often the tenant's responsibility to address.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photos. They should arrange a professional inspection to diagnose the source. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as disturbing certain types of mold can spread spores. A proper assessment will determine if the wall has internal condensation or a leak, which dictates responsibility for the remediation and repairs. For persistent dampness, consider using a dehumidifier alongside your AC.