Is landlord responsible for hidden mold in my apartment?« Back to Previous Page

The responsibility typically falls on the landlord to address both the mold removal and its underlying cause, as this is a structural or building-related issue. Under UAE tenancy law, landlords are obliged to provide a habitable property and maintain the structural integrity of the apartment. A hidden mold patch of significant size, likely caused by a leak or seepage in the external wall, qualifies as a major maintenance issue.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos, and request immediate remediation. Do not attempt to remove it yourself, as disturbing a large colony can aerosolize spores throughout your home. The constant dehumidifier use is a strong indicator of an underlying moisture problem that needs professional diagnosis to find the source—often a leaking pipe, faulty sealant, or condensation from AC ducts within the wall.

For a case of this scale in Dubai's humid climate, a professional inspection is crucial to assess the full extent and identify the water source. Remediation involves fixing the leak, properly removing the contaminated materials, and treating the area with antimicrobial solutions. The landlord is generally responsible for these costs if the cause is structural. If they are unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre in Dubai.