Is landlord responsible for bedroom mold from leak?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai, your landlord is generally responsible for addressing the source of the mold, which is the leak. The Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007) obligates landlords to maintain the property in a habitable condition, which includes fixing structural issues like leaking pipes that lead to dampness and mold growth. This is a maintenance issue, not damage caused by tenant negligence.

You should formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best) about the leak and the resulting mold, including clear photographs. Give them a reasonable timeframe, typically 14 days, to arrange for repairs. For a situation this advanced, a professional inspection is strongly advised to assess the full extent of the mold behind the wall and the associated health risks, as the visible patch is often just a fraction of the problem. The high humidity in Dubai, combined with AC units that can create condensation, allows mold to thrive rapidly once a moisture source is present.

If the landlord refuses to act, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. Do not attempt to remediate significant mold growth yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize spores and spread the contamination. The remediation process should fix the leak, dry the structure thoroughly, and then remove the mold—simply wiping it away is insufficient and the mold will return.