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

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is generally responsible for addressing the source of the mold, which is the leak in the external wall. Structural repairs and fixing leaks that lead to dampness are considered the owner's obligation. You are typically responsible for the cost of cleaning and remediating the mold growth itself if it resulted from your own negligence, but in this case, the root cause is a structural issue.

You should notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately, with clear photos of both the mold and any visible signs of the leak. This creates a formal record. They are obligated to fix the leak to prevent further damage to their property. For a case this size that's actively spreading, a professional inspection is strongly recommended to assess the full extent of the moisture damage behind the wall and wardrobe, which a general handyman might miss.

Once the leak is permanently repaired, the mold must be properly remediated. Simply wiping it away is insufficient; the area needs to be treated to prevent regrowth, especially in JVC's high humidity. The wardrobe may need to be moved to allow the wall to dry completely. Delaying action will likely lead to the mold returning quickly due to our climate, even after cleaning. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai.