Is landlord responsible for Dubai apartment mold and leak?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing more than usual and I finally checked behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom in Jumeirah Village Circle. There's a huge patch of black mold spreading on the wall, probably from a slow leak I didn't know about. We've been in this apartment for about a year and a half. Is the landlord responsible for the mold removal and fixing the leak, or is this on me to handle as the tenant?
Posted by Fatima Khoury
Asked on May 9, 2026 4:05 pm
Under Dubai's rental law, the landlord is typically responsible for repairs to the structure of the property, including fixing leaks in walls or plumbing that cause mold. Your responsibility as a tenant is generally to report the issue promptly and allow reasonable access for repairs.

Given the climate in JVC, with high humidity and constant AC use, condensation and hidden leaks are common. The black mold spreading on the wall strongly indicates an ongoing moisture source, like a pipe leak or water seepage from outside, which is a structural maintenance issue. You should immediately notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos of both the mold and any signs of the leak. This creates a formal record of your report.

For a patch described as "huge," a professional inspection is advised to assess the full extent and identify the exact moisture source. Remediation is more than just wiping it away; it requires fixing the leak, properly drying the structure, and then removing the contaminated materials to prevent spores from spreading. In cases of significant growth impacting health, especially with respiratory symptoms, a company with a microbiology lab can identify the mold species and verify the environment is safe after remediation through post-testing.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 11, 2026 7:36 am