Is landlord responsible for flood damage and mold?« Back to Previous Page

Based on UAE Civil Code, specifically Articles 279 and 280, the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the property and ensuring it is habitable. This includes repairing structural defects and damage not caused by the tenant's negligence.

In your case, the flood damage from a major storm is almost certainly not your fault or negligence. The resulting water damage and the mold growth are a direct consequence of the building's inability to withstand the weather event, which is a structural and maintenance issue falling under the landlord's obligation. His claim that it's your problem is likely incorrect. The damp carpet and staining walls you describe are clear signs of trapped moisture, which will lead to extensive mold contamination within the wall cavities and subfloor if not addressed professionally. This poses a significant health risk and further degrades the building materials.

Given that it has been three weeks, the situation is severe. Simple drying is no longer sufficient; professional remediation is required to prevent structural damage and health issues. The dark, patchy stains are active microbial growth.

You should formally notify the landlord in writing (email is best for a paper trail) of the worsening condition and request immediate, professional remediation. If he continues to refuse, you may need to escalate the matter to the Dubai Land Department (DLD) or the Rental Dispute Center.

For a proper assessment and to document the extent of the damage for your case, I strongly recommend a professional indoor environmental inspection. We can provide a detailed report outlining the cause, extent, and required remediation steps, which is often crucial in disputes.

Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection. This is not something to delay.