Is landlord responsible for mold from water leakage?« Back to Previous Page

The landlord is typically responsible for remediating mold caused by structural issues like water leakage, as per Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007). The key is establishing the cause. Since the mold appeared after the heavy rains and a known leakage issue, the source is almost certainly the building's envelope, which is the landlord's responsibility to maintain.

Document everything immediately. Take clear photos of the mold and any signs of the original water damage. Send a formal written notification to the landlord or property management company, citing the leakage and the resulting mold growth. This creates a necessary paper trail. For a toddler experiencing symptoms, this is a serious health concern that requires prompt action.

Given Dubai's high humidity, mold can spread quickly inside walls from a single water event. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this can aggravate spores and worsen air quality. A professional inspection can confirm the extent of the spread and identify the exact moisture source, which is critical evidence for your case.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai. They will often side with the tenant when the landlord has failed to address a maintenance issue that impacts habitability. For your child's health, you may need to arrange for professional assessment and remediation yourself to stop the spread, then seek to recover the costs from the landlord through the proper channels.