Is mold on wall tenant or landlord responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Mold on interior walls in Dubai is typically the landlord's responsibility to fix, as it often stems from a building defect like water infiltration or inadequate insulation. However, the tenant is responsible for demonstrating reasonable use of the property, such as ventilating the space and running the AC to manage the extreme humidity.

In a Marina apartment, the constant high humidity and rapid temperature changes between the outdoor and heavily air-conditioned indoor environment cause significant condensation within walls, a common construction issue. Simply wiping the mold away is ineffective and can aggravate the problem by releasing spores. The root cause must be addressed.

For resolution, first formally notify your landlord in writing with photos, detailing the mold's recurrence. They are generally obligated to investigate and repair the source of the moisture intrusion. If they refuse, you can file a complaint with the Dubai Rental Dispute Center (RDC), as a persistent mold issue that affects livability can be considered a breach of the landlord's maintenance obligations.

A professional inspection is key to determining the exact moisture source—whether it's a leaking pipe, capillary rise, or condensation from thermal bridging. This independent, evidence-based report from a company with microbiology expertise will definitively show whether the cause is a structural flaw or tenant habit, clarifying responsibility for all parties.