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

In Dubai, the responsibility depends on whether the issue is due to a structural defect or tenant lifestyle. Under standard tenancy contracts (EJARI), the landlord is typically responsible for fixing the property's structure, including leaks in walls, roofs, or faulty plumbing that cause dampness. The tenant is usually responsible for issues arising from daily activities, like inadequate ventilation leading to condensation.

Given that the mold is on a wall and the smell has worsened with humidity, a leak or insufficient insulation is a strong possibility, which would likely be the landlord's responsibility. The damp, earthy odor suggests a persistent moisture source, not just transient humidity. Document everything with photos and dates, and notify your landlord or property manager in writing immediately. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as improper removal can disturb spores and worsen indoor air quality.

For a definitive answer on the cause and required remediation, a professional inspection is necessary. An inspector will identify the moisture source (e.g., a hidden pipe leak, capillary rising damp, or condensation from poor insulation) and provide a report you can present to the landlord. In Dubai's climate, where high humidity and constant AC use can create condensation issues, this is a common but serious concern that requires proper diagnosis to resolve effectively.