Is my landlord responsible for mold in my apartment?« Back to Previous Page

Good question, and a very common issue here in Dubai, especially in high-humidity coastal areas like Marina. That long, dark patch on your ceiling is a classic sign of a persistent moisture issue, likely a slow leak from an AC condensation line or a pipe in the adjacent wall, rather than just surface humidity.

In the UAE, the responsibility for fixing this falls squarely on the landlord. According to standard rental contract law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the property owner is obligated to maintain the structural integrity of the building and ensure the property is habitable. This includes addressing issues with the building's infrastructure that cause water intrusion and subsequent mold growth. Since the mold is on the ceiling and growing, it's almost certainly due to a hidden leak, which is a structural maintenance problem.

Do not attempt to clean this yourself. Bleach or DIY solutions will only remove the surface discoloration and not the root cause. The mold will return, and the underlying leak could cause significant structural damage over time. More importantly, disturbing it can release a high volume of spores into your bedroom air, which is a health risk.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing (email is best), describing the issue and including clear photographs. Request that they arrange for a professional inspection to identify the moisture source.

For a case like this, a proper inspection involves moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to pinpoint the exact leak location behind the wall. Once found, the leak must be repaired first, and only then can the mold be remediated by a certified professional using proper containment and air scrubbing protocols.

If they are unresponsive, you can reference your tenancy rights. For a professional assessment and remediation quote you can present to your landlord, you can call our specialists at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We provide detailed reports that clearly identify the cause, which is often necessary to get landlords to act.