Is landlord responsible for mold repair after rain leak?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. Since the mold is a direct result of a rain-related water leak in the ceiling, the repair of the leak and the resulting damage is almost certainly the landlord's obligation. The damp smell on your clothes confirms the issue is active and spreading.

You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately, including clear photos of the affected ceiling and a description of the musty odor. They are required to address the source of the moisture—likely a leak in the roof or external wall—and the subsequent mold remediation. In villas, particularly after heavy rain in areas like Al Barsha, hidden leaks are common and can lead to significant structural damage if ignored.

However, the climate here means remediation must be done correctly. Simply painting over it or wiping the surface is ineffective. Proper repair involves fixing the leak, removing affected porous materials like damaged drywall or insulation, and a professional antimicrobial treatment to prevent regrowth. The high humidity and constant AC use can cause mold to return quickly if the underlying moisture issue isn't resolved.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. For your health and to protect your belongings, consider a professional indoor environmental assessment. A science-driven inspection with lab testing can document the species and extent of contamination, providing a clear, evidence-based report you can present to the landlord to substantiate the required scope of repairs.