Is mold removal in a rental my responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai, responsibility for mold removal in a rental depends on the source of the moisture. The general rule under the Rental Law is that structural issues are the landlord's responsibility, while maintenance related to tenant use falls to the tenant.

Since you suspect a leaking AC unit inside the wall, this is likely a structural or building system issue, making it the landlord's or building management's responsibility to fix. The damp, earthy smell and hidden growth behind a closet strongly suggest a concealed leak or condensation from the AC drain line, which are common in our humid climate where AC runs year-round.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photos of the mold and the affected wall. They are obligated to address the root cause—the leak—and the resulting damage. Do not attempt to remove it yourself, as improper cleaning can aerosolize spores and spread the problem. For documentation and to confirm the source, a professional inspection can be valuable. A certified inspector can use moisture meters and borescopes to trace the leak and provide a report, which is useful if the landlord disputes responsibility.

The remediation itself should be handled by professionals who contain the area to prevent cross-contamination. After the leak is repaired and the mold removed, the wall must be completely dried before repainting to prevent rapid regrowth. The landlord is typically responsible for these repairs and restoration.