Is landlord responsible for mold on external wall?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed a bunch of black spots spreading on the wall behind our bedroom wardrobe in Jumeirah Village Circle. It's on the wall that faces the outside, and the room has felt really damp lately even with the AC on. What's the best way to get this professionally treated and is this something my landlord is responsible for fixing?
Posted by Hannah Lewis
Asked on May 15, 2026 9:55 pm
Yes, in most cases. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. Since the mold is on an external wall and you've noted persistent dampness, this strongly suggests an underlying structural or waterproofing issue, which falls under their obligation.

You should notify your landlord in writing immediately, with clear photos of the mold and the affected wall. Mention the dampness and that it's an external-facing wall. They are typically required to address the root cause, such as fixing a leak or repairing faulty external waterproofing, before any mold remediation can be effective.

The JVC location and current humidity are key factors. External walls here are constantly stressed by high humidity and temperature shifts, which can lead to condensation inside walls if insulation or sealing is compromised. Simply wiping the mold away will not work; the moisture source must be identified and stopped.

For a case like this, a professional inspection is advised to determine the exact moisture source and extent. The remediation process itself may be a shared cost discussion, but the landlord's responsibility is to provide a habitable property free from structural defects causing the problem. If they are unresponsive, you can file a case with the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre in Dubai.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 17, 2026 4:44 am