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

Based on UAE rental law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity and ensuring it is habitable. This includes addressing issues like mold that arise from inherent building defects, such as chronic water leaks from faulty plumbing, inadequate waterproofing, or poor ventilation systems that are part of the property's construction.

However, the responsibility can shift to you, the tenant, if the mold growth is a direct result of your actions or negligence. Examples include failing to use the bathroom's exhaust fan, causing excessive moisture through lifestyle habits without proper ventilation, or failing to report a minor leak in a timely manner, allowing it to develop into a larger problem.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue, detailing the location and extent of the mold. It is crucial to document everything with clear photographs and keep a record of all communications. This creates a paper trail. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center (RDC).

For a definitive assessment of the cause and extent, a professional mold inspection is highly recommended. Our certified technicians can identify the moisture source, test the mold type, and provide a detailed report that can be used to determine liability and the necessary remediation scope. For serious cases, don't hesitate to call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com for an expert evaluation.