is landlord responsible for hidden mold from pipe leak?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai, the responsibility for hidden mold from a pipe leak typically falls on the landlord. Under UAE rental law, the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, including the repair of major defects like plumbing leaks that are not caused by the tenant's negligence. Since this is a slow pipe leak inside the wall that you just discovered, it is highly likely to be the landlord's responsibility to fix both the pipe and the resulting damage.

Your first step should be to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos of the mold and the leak. Do not attempt a major remediation yourself, as improper handling can spread spores. For a hidden leak of this scale, a professional inspection is crucial to assess the full extent of the water damage and mold growth within the wall cavity. This is common in Marina apartments where high humidity and year-round AC use can accelerate hidden mold problems if a moisture source is present.

The landlord should arrange for a licensed professional to fix the leak at its source. For the mold remediation, the approach depends on the extent. Surface mold on a small, accessible area might be cleaned, but widespread growth inside walls often requires professional containment and removal to prevent cross-contamination. You can request that the remediation company provides verification, such as before-and-after lab testing, to confirm the space has been returned to a healthy state. Keep records of all communications, as you may need to reference Dubai Municipal regulations if the landlord is unresponsive.