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

Based on UAE Civil Transactions Law (Federal Law No. 5 of 1985), the landlord is fundamentally responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity and ensuring it is habitable. This includes addressing issues like persistent dampness and mold that arise from inherent building defects, such as leaking pipes, faulty waterproofing, or inadequate exterior cladding that allows water ingress.

However, the tenant's responsibility is to maintain the property in a clean condition and to promptly notify the landlord of any such defects. If the mold is a direct result of tenant behavior—like failing to use provided AC systems to control humidity, improper ventilation, or causing specific water damage—the remediation cost may fall to you. The extreme humidity in Sharjah this past month is a major aggravating factor, but the underlying cause needs professional diagnosis.

Given your description of the damp wall and suspected growth behind the wardrobe, this likely stems from a penetration or condensation issue the landlord must address. Simply treating the visible mold and repainting is a temporary fix; the moisture source must be identified and rectified permanently.

I strongly recommend you formally notify your landlord in writing immediately. For a definitive assessment of the moisture source and the extent of the contamination, a professional indoor environmental quality inspection is crucial. We can provide a detailed report outlining the cause and necessary remedial actions, which can be vital for discussions with your landlord. For immediate advice or to schedule an inspection, please call 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com.