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

In Dubai, responsibility for mold removal depends on the source of the moisture. Under the standard Ejari rental contract, landlords are responsible for rectifying issues related to the building's structure, such as leaking pipes, seepage from a neighboring apartment, or faulty external window seals that cause condensation. These are considered maintenance issues the landlord must address.

However, if the moisture source is due to tenant behavior—like inadequate ventilation, drying clothes indoors, or failing to use AC consistently to manage humidity—the responsibility and cost for remediation typically fall on the tenant.

Given you found significant black mold behind a wardrobe in Al Barsha, the location suggests a structural humidity issue, possibly from a hidden pipe leak or penetrating damp from the external wall. This climate, with its high humidity and constant AC use, creates perfect conditions for condensation in poorly insulated areas. You should immediately notify your landlord in writing, with photos, and request they send a professional to identify and fix the moisture source. Simply cleaning the visible mold is ineffective if the underlying water issue isn't resolved.

For a case of this suspected size and duration, a professional inspection is advised to identify the species and the exact moisture source. Remediation often requires containment and specialized air scrubbing to prevent spores from spreading to other parts of the home during cleaning, which is beyond a DIY solution. The landlord should arrange for a proper assessment.