Is mold cleanup the landlord's responsibility in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai, the responsibility for mold remediation depends on the cause. Under standard tenancy law, landlords are responsible for repairing structural issues that cause moisture intrusion, like leaking pipes, faulty AC drainage, or cracks in the building envelope. Tenants are typically responsible for damage resulting from their own negligence, such as failing to use the AC to control humidity or not reporting a leak promptly.

Given your description, a slow leak behind a wall is almost certainly a structural maintenance issue, making it the landlord's legal responsibility to repair the leak and the resulting damage. The humidity in Dubai means condensation and mold can develop quickly from any hidden leak. First, document everything with clear photos and promptly notify your landlord or property management company in writing. They should arrange for a professional to identify and fix the moisture source.

The mold cleanup itself should also be handled professionally, especially with black mold present and children experiencing respiratory symptoms. Proper remediation involves containment, HEPA filtration, and antimicrobial treatment to prevent spores from spreading during removal. Simply wiping it can aerosolize the spores. Once the area is dry and repaired, a post-remediation verification test is the only way to confirm the space is safe. If your landlord is unresponsive, you can reference Dubai's Rental Dispute Settlement Centre for guidance.