Is recurring mold on our wall the landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Recurring mold growth on interior walls is typically the landlord's responsibility under Dubai rental law, as it relates to the structural integrity and habitability of the property. The underlying cause is almost always a hidden moisture issue—like a leaking pipe inside the wall, poor external sealing, or thermal bridging causing condensation—which is a building maintenance problem.

Vinegar only removes surface mold temporarily and will not stop it from returning. The fact it is recurring and associated with allergy symptoms indicates a more significant issue that requires professional diagnosis. In Dubai's humid climate, especially in coastal areas like Marina, condensation can form on cooler walls that lack proper insulation, creating a perpetual cycle of moisture and mold growth.

You should formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best) with clear photos of the recurring patches. Reference the specific humid period when it appeared. Request that they send a professional to not just clean it, but to conduct a proper moisture inspection to identify and repair the source of the water intrusion.

For health reasons, given the allergy symptoms, a lab test to identify the mold species can be useful, but the priority is stopping the moisture. A proper remediation by a certified company will involve isolating the area, removing affected materials if necessary, and applying antimicrobial treatments. Simply wiping it down is not a solution and spreads spores. The landlord is obligated to provide a safe and healthy living environment, and addressing this is part of that duty.