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

Under Dubai's rental law, structural repairs including those for leaks from internal pipes or building envelope issues are the landlord's responsibility. Since your mold appears to be from a suspected wall leak, not condensation from your own AC unit, the landlord is typically obligated to address the source.

You should formally notify them in writing immediately, with clear photos. They must fix the leak to stop the moisture source. However, the treatment of the mold growth itself and any repainting can be a grey area and is often negotiated. The landlord's responsibility is to return the property to a habitable condition, which includes fixing the leak. Thorough mold remediation, which involves containment and removal of affected materials, and subsequent repainting may fall to you if the tenancy contract is vague, but a strong case can be made that it stems from their failure to maintain the structure.

Given the climate, with high humidity and constant AC use, mold can spread quickly into walls and the AC system once a moisture source exists. A professional inspection is advised to document the extent and identify the exact moisture source, as this report will be crucial for discussions with the landlord. It will verify if the AC system has also been contaminated, which is common in such scenarios.