Is landlord responsible for bedroom moold in Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai's rental law, the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes addressing issues like persistent dampness and mold that result from building envelope defects, such as leaking pipes or faulty external waterproofing. This responsibility is outlined in the standard tenancy contract.

However, the cause is key. In Jumeirah Village Triangle, the recent humidity spike can lead to condensation, especially on cooler exterior walls behind large furniture like wardrobes that restrict airflow. If the mold growth is solely due to tenant lifestyle factors (e.g., inadequate ventilation, not using the AC to control humidity), the responsibility for remediation may fall on you.

Your first step is to formally notify the landlord or property manager in writing with clear photos, as this starts the legal clock for them to respond. They should arrange for a professional inspection to determine the root cause—whether it's a structural leak or condensation. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this can temporarily mask the problem without solving the moisture source and may disturb toxic spores.

For a case that is spreading, a certified inspection is critical. They will use moisture meters to check the wall's saturation levels and can take air or surface samples for lab analysis to identify the mold species, which informs the necessary remediation scope. Until assessed, keep the area ventilated and avoid disturbing the spots.