Is landlord responsible for mold in my Mirdif apartment?« Back to Previous Page

The landlord is typically responsible for remedying this, as the issue stems from a structural problem—a persistently damp wall. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords must maintain the property in a habitable condition, which includes addressing water infiltration or leaks that cause mold. Your first step is to formally notify them in writing, with photos of the mold and the damp wall, and request immediate repairs.

Given the dampness behind a closet in Mirdif—an area known for older building stock—this is likely due to a leak in the plumbing or external wall, or severe condensation from AC units, not just ambient humidity. A dehumidifier cannot fix a structural water source.

For a case this advanced, with health symptoms present, a professional inspection is critical before remediation begins. The process must identify and stop the moisture source first; otherwise, the mold will return even after cleaning. The remediation itself involves containment, safe removal of contaminated materials, and HEPA vacuuming to prevent spores from spreading. Simply wiping it or painting over it is insufficient and can aggravate the problem. After the leak is fixed and mold is removed, the area must be verified as dry and clean before rebuilding.