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

In Dubai, the responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is typically determined by the cause of the mold growth, as outlined in Law No. 26 of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai (as amended).

The landlord is responsible for addressing the mold if its root cause is a structural or maintenance-related defect. This includes issues like leaking pipes within the walls, faulty air conditioning drainage systems, cracks in the building envelope allowing water ingress, or inadequate waterproofing. These are considered failures of the landlord to provide a habitable property. The landlord would be obligated to not only remediate the mold but also repair the underlying defect and any resulting damage, such as repainting.

However, if the mold is determined to be a result of the tenant's lifestyle, the responsibility shifts. In Dubai's humid climate, condensation is a major culprit. Consistently running the AC is not sufficient if the unit is undersized, set too high, or not properly maintained, leading to excessive moisture buildup. Improper ventilation, such as drying clothes indoors or blocking AC vents with furniture, can also create localized humidity problems, as you've described in your closet. In such cases, the cost of remediation may fall to the tenant.

Given your situation—a persistent damp smell and a large patch of mold on an interior wall—the cause is not immediately clear. It could be a hidden pipe leak or, just as likely, severe condensation due to poor air circulation in the closet. We strongly recommend a professional inspection to identify the exact moisture source. Our certified experts use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to diagnose the origin definitively, which is crucial for determining liability. Attempting removal without fixing the source will lead to rapid regrowth.

For an accurate assessment and to resolve this issue correctly, please contact our team for a comprehensive inspection. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.