Is mold remediation a tenant or landlord responsibility in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai, responsibility typically falls on the landlord for structural issues and the tenant for maintenance-related ones. Mold caused by a building defect like a leaking pipe, faulty external waterproofing, or poor insulation is the landlord's responsibility to fix. However, if the mold resulted from tenant actions, like severely obstructing ventilation or failing to use the AC, the cost could fall to you.

Given your description—a hidden wall behind furniture in a humid room with a weak AC—this strongly suggests a condensation issue due to poor wall insulation and inadequate dehumidification. This is a common problem in Dubai's climate and is generally considered a building-related issue, making it the landlord's responsibility to remediate and repair.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this can disturb toxic spores and only removes surface discoloration, not the root cause. For a patch this size, a professional inspection is advised to identify the moisture source and species of mold, as some types common here can cause significant respiratory irritation.

While waiting for a response, keep the area ventilated and consider moving the wardrobe to prevent further damage to your belongings. Landlords are generally cooperative when presented with clear evidence of a structural humidity problem, as it protects their asset. If they are unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center.