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

We've been in this JVC villa for about a year, and ever since the floods a couple of weeks ago, there's been a persistent damp patch on the living room wall that's slowly getting bigger and has a bit of a moldy smell. The landlord says it's our responsibility to handle the repairs because it's 'internal,' but the leak only started after the storm. Who is actually responsible for fixing this kind of water damage?
Posted by Mona El-Masri
Asked on March 16, 2026 8:57 am
Based on UAE Civil Code, specifically Law No. (5) of 1985, the landlord is unequivocally responsible for the structural integrity of the property. This includes the building's envelope, such as the roof, external walls, and foundations. The flood-related water ingress you describe is a direct result of a failure in the building's structure to withstand an external weather event, which is not due to your actions as a tenant.

Your landlord's claim that it's an 'internal' issue is a common but incorrect deflection. The damage originated from the storm, meaning the point of entry is a structural defect they are obligated to repair. The resulting damp patch and mold growth are secondary consequences of their primary responsibility.

In Dubai, the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007) further supports this, placing maintenance of the property's main structure on the owner. You should formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best for a paper trail) of the issue, referencing these laws and requesting immediate remediation. It is crucial to address this quickly, as the expanding dampness indicates an active leak, and the mold poses a health risk.

For a professional assessment and documentation to present to your landlord, I strongly recommend a certified indoor environmental quality inspection. We can identify the exact moisture source, extent of damage, and type of mold present, providing you with a legally defensible report.

Call 800-MOLDS or 800-66537 to schedule an inspection. Don't let the mold problem worsen; this is definitively the landlord's duty to fix.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 19, 2026 8:53 am