Is landlord responsible for mold from a wall crack?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended), the landlord is generally responsible for the maintenance of the structural integrity of the property, which includes fixing cracks in the walls. Since the mold is a direct result of that structural issue and not from your actions (like interior water spills or lack of AC use), the responsibility for the repair and the subsequent mold remediation should fall on them.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos of both the crack and the mold growth. This creates a necessary paper trail. The persistent high humidity here accelerates mold from such moisture intrusions, making prompt action important.

For a case like this, a professional inspection is advised to determine the full extent of the mold behind the wall and to confirm the moisture source. This provides documented evidence of the cause and scope, which is crucial for discussions with your landlord. Remediation should involve fixing the crack, properly drying the cavity, and removing the contaminated materials.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre in Dubai. They will typically require an expert report, which is where a certified inspection with documented lab analysis can be critical to support your case.