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

Your landlord is typically responsible for treating mold if it stems from a structural issue, such as a leaking pipe, faulty waterproofing, or a defect in the building's AC system that causes condensation. Under UAE rental law, the property owner is obligated to maintain the property's structural integrity and ensure it is habitable.

First, notify your landlord in writing about the mold, as this formally documents the issue. The humid climate in Dubai, especially in coastal areas like Jumeirah, can exacerbate mold growth from even minor, unnoticed leaks. Since the mold is spreading and affecting your health, it strongly indicates an underlying moisture problem that needs professional diagnosis.

For a small, surface-level patch (less than one square meter), cleaning with a vinegar solution might suffice. However, given that it's spreading and triggering allergies, this is likely a more serious case. A professional inspection can identify the moisture source—often a hidden leak in plumbing or AC drain lines—which must be fixed before any cleaning. Without addressing the root cause, the mold will return.

While you can request the landlord arrange remediation, you may choose to hire an inspector yourself to get an unbiased assessment. Companies with their own microbiology labs can provide a detailed report identifying the mold type and moisture source, which is powerful evidence to present to your landlord. This report clarifies responsibility and ensures the correct, science-driven solution is applied.