Is landlord responsible for mold from potential building leak?« Back to Previous Page

Under UAE tenancy law, the landlord is typically responsible for repairs related to the building's structure and essential services, which includes fixing leaks from external walls, roofs, or plumbing that are causing dampness and mold. Since the wall feels damp and the mold is spreading from behind a fixed wardrobe, this strongly suggests a hidden leak or condensation issue within the wall cavity, not surface-level humidity.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos and a description of the damp wall. They are obligated to investigate and address the source of the moisture. Do not attempt to remove the mold yourself, as disturbing it can release spores and the remediation will be ineffective until the water source is permanently fixed.

The persistent humidity in Dubai, combined with year-round AC use, creates perfect conditions for such hidden mold growth when a water leak is present. The AC itself can also mask the damp smell. A professional inspection is crucial here to diagnose the leak's origin and assess the full extent of the mold growth, which is likely more widespread inside the wall. For documented cases like this, a company with a microbiology lab can provide an objective assessment and moisture mapping to pinpoint the leak for the landlord, ensuring the repair is done correctly.