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

This is an extremely common issue in Dubai, especially in areas like Discovery Gardens with high humidity. The black speckles behind the wardrobe are a classic sign of a condensation-related mold growth, likely due to poor air circulation and the wall being a cold spot.

Under UAE rental law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity and ensuring it is habitable. This includes addressing the root cause of the mold. If the issue stems from a structural problem like a hidden water leak from plumbing, faulty AC drainage, or inadequate insulation within the wall (an inherent building defect), then the remediation is unequivocally the landlord's legal obligation.

However, if the cause is purely environmental—like condensation due to lifestyle factors (drying clothes indoors, lack of ventilation) and not a structural fault—the responsibility can become murkier. The landlord must provide a habitable premises, but the tenant must also ensure adequate ventilation.

Here's my professional advice: Do not attempt to clean this yourself with bleach, as it will not address the moisture source and can worsen airborne spores. Your first step is to formally notify your landlord/property management in writing with photos, requesting an investigation into the root cause. Given the location on an interior wall, a professional inspection is critical to determine if there's a hidden leak. We use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact source.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can escalate to the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. For a proper assessment to determine liability and the correct remediation protocol, you can call our specialists at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. A certified inspection report will be your strongest evidence for any dispute.