Is landlord responsible for mold after rain leak?« Back to Previous Page

The landlord is typically responsible for mold remediation when it results from a structural issue like a roof leak after heavy rain. Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords must maintain the property's fundamental structure, including the roof and external walls. Since the leak originated from outside, this is likely their responsibility to fix.

Notify your landlord and building management in writing immediately, with photos of the leak and mold. This creates a formal record. They should arrange for a professional to fix the leak at its source and assess the mold. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as disturbing extensive growth can spread spores. For a closet affecting clothing, a professional inspection is advised to determine the extent.

The damp smell on your clothes indicates active growth. Until resolved, remove clothing from the closet to prevent further contamination. After the leak is repaired, the area must be properly dried before any cleaning or repainting occurs, or the mold will return. In Dubai's climate, with high humidity and year-round AC use, hidden moisture can lead to rapid regrowth if not addressed completely.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai.