Landlord or me responsible for bedroom mold?« Back to Previous Page

The wall behind our wardrobe in the bedroom has these spreading black spots that we only noticed when we moved the furniture last week. We've been in this Discovery Gardens apartment for over a year and the AC is always running, but the room still feels damp. Who is responsible for dealing with this – should I be calling my landlord, or is this on me to fix?
Posted by Gary Allen
Asked on May 1, 2026 2:50 pm
In Dubai rental properties, responsibility typically depends on the cause. Landlords are generally responsible for structural issues causing water intrusion, like leaking pipes or faulty external waterproofing. Tenants are usually responsible for mold resulting from their own lifestyle habits, like inadequate ventilation or failing to run the AC.

Given the hidden location behind furniture and the constant AC use, this points toward a pre-existing dampness issue, likely a hidden pipe leak or insufficient insulation in the external wall—common in older Dubai buildings where condensation forms on cold surfaces. The landlord should be notified immediately. Document the issue with clear photos and a written description before moving the wardrobe back.

For a formal claim, a professional inspection is key to determine the exact moisture source. A certified mold inspector can use moisture meters and thermal imaging to identify if the wall leak is internal or external, which provides objective evidence for your landlord. If the landlord disputes responsibility, this evidence is crucial. Dubai's high humidity means mold can regrow quickly if the root moisture problem isn't fixed, so the focus must be on repair, not just cleaning the spots.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 3, 2026 5:13 am