Is landlord responsible for bedroom mold damage in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

The wall behind my wardrobe in the bedroom has started showing these big black splotches of mold, and it’s been getting worse since the weather turned humid a few weeks ago. We’ve been in this Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for about a year and never had an issue before. I’m worried about our health and the damage to our clothes. Is the landlord responsible for fixing this and the cost of any damaged belongings, or is this on me as the tenant?
Posted by Sandra Jones
Asked on May 7, 2026 11:50 am
Under Dubai rental law, the landlord is typically responsible for fixing the structural issue causing the mold, such as a leak or seepage through the external wall. The tenant is generally responsible for reporting it promptly and for any damage resulting from negligence, like failing to ventilate the property properly.

Given the location behind a wardrobe in JVC, this is a classic sign of condensation mold. It's common during humid periods when cool interior walls meet warm, moist air, especially if the wardrobe is pushed tightly against an external wall. The landlord should address the root cause, which could be inadequate insulation or a hidden plumbing leak. You must formally notify them in writing immediately to avoid being held liable for further property damage.

For your damaged belongings, responsibility is less clear-cut and often depends on your tenancy contract and whether you can prove the landlord was aware of a pre-existing issue and failed to act. Document everything with photos and dates.

Given the extent you describe, a professional inspection is wise to identify the exact moisture source and mold type. This provides an objective report you can use in discussions with the landlord. Remediation involves fixing the water source, properly removing the contaminated materials, and treating the area to prevent regrowth. In many Dubai apartments, improving airflow by leaving space between furniture and walls and maintaining your AC to manage humidity can help prevent recurrence.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 9, 2026 3:25 am