Is landlord responsible for mold removal in Jumeirah apartment?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the landlord is typically responsible for addressing the mold and, crucially, its underlying cause. In Dubai, the rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007) generally places the obligation of major maintenance and structural repairs on the landlord, which includes fixing leaks or seepage that lead to mold growth. Since the mold is behind a fixed wardrobe and likely due to a building envelope or plumbing issue, this falls under their purview.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, including clear photos of the mold and any potential moisture sources. The recent high humidity can exacerbate existing condensation issues, but the root cause is usually a pre-existing leak or inadequate insulation. Document your wife's health concerns as well, as this underscores the urgency.

While the landlord must fix the source of moisture, the responsibility for cleaning belongings and surface mold on your possessions may fall to you. For a patch described as "huge," do not attempt removal yourself, as disturbing it can aerosolize spores and worsen allergies. A professional inspection can identify the exact moisture source and mold type, which strengthens your case with the landlord and ensures the remediation is done correctly to prevent recurrence. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai.