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

In Dubai, the responsibility for mold in your apartment depends on the source of the moisture. Under typical tenancy contracts, landlords are responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. This includes fixing leaks from plumbing, roofs, or faulty AC units that cause condensation and subsequent mold growth. Since the mold is on an exterior wall in Jumeirah Village Triangle, the landlord should address any potential seepage or insulation issues.

However, tenant responsibilities include maintaining adequate ventilation to manage the high humidity, which is a primary driver of mold in Dubai's climate. Daily activities like showering or drying clothes indoors contribute significantly to moisture levels if exhaust fans aren't used or AC is set too high without proper dehumidification. If the mold resulted from stored damp items or a failure to use the AC to control humidity, the remediation cost may fall to you.

Given the visible growth on the wall, the first step is to inform your landlord or property management company in writing with photographs. They should arrange a professional inspection to identify the moisture source. Do not attempt to clean significant growth yourself, as improper methods can aerosolize spores and worsen the problem. A proper assessment can determine the cause and, by extension, the responsibility for the cost of the necessary remediation and repairs.