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

Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is typically responsible for remedying structural defects and issues related to the building's integrity, including water seepage from external walls or window frames. Since the mold growth originated from a known water leakage incident from the window, this strongly suggests the landlord's responsibility to address the root cause.

You should formally notify your landlord or property management company immediately, providing photos of the mold and a description of the past water seepage event. They are obligated to fix the leak at its source to prevent recurrence. For a large patch of black mold, professional remediation is advised, not just DIY cleaning, as improper handling can disperse harmful spores. The remediation process should include fixing the moisture source, physical removal of contaminated materials, and HEPA vacuuming to clear the air.

While the landlord handles the structural leak and likely the mold removal, document all communication. If they are unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai. Given the UAE's high humidity and constant AC use, any unresolved moisture issue will lead to mold returning quickly, so ensuring the leak is permanently sealed is the most critical step.