Is landlord responsible for mold in Dubai rental villa?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai, the landlord is generally responsible for structural issues causing mold, while the tenant handles problems from their own lifestyle or negligence. Since your mold appeared after heavy rains on an exterior wall, this strongly suggests a leak or water seepage through the building envelope, which is a structural maintenance issue.

Under typical Dubai rental contracts (EJARI), the landlord is obligated to maintain the property's structure, including the roof, walls, and plumbing systems. The persistent dampness from a rain event points to a landlord responsibility. You should formally notify them in writing with clear photos, detailing the issue and requesting immediate remediation and repair of the moisture source. They should arrange for both the leak repair and professional mold removal.

For a case this advanced where belongings are affected, a professional inspection is critical. They can identify the exact moisture source (e.g., cracked sealant, compromised waterproofing) and confirm the mold type. Remediation involves fixing the leak, properly removing the contaminated materials, and treating the area—not just wiping the visible spot. In the humid Dubai climate, simply cleaning the surface without addressing the root cause will lead to rapid regrowth. Keep all communication documented, as this can be important if the landlord is unresponsive.