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

Under Dubai rental law, the landlord is generally responsible for rectifying structural issues that lead to mold, such as water leaks from pipes, a cracked building envelope, or faulty external waterproofing. The tenant is typically responsible for issues stemming from daily living, like inadequate ventilation leading to condensation.

Given the location (a wall behind a wardrobe in a humid climate), this strongly suggests a condensation problem exacerbated by the furniture being placed against the cold outer wall, restricting airflow. In Jumeirah Village Circle, where humidity is high year-round, this is a common issue. The tenant's duty is to use the property in a way that prevents such damage, which includes ensuring proper air circulation and using the AC to manage humidity.

First, move the wardrobe away from the wall immediately to assess the full extent and allow the area to dry. Document the mold and any damage to belongings with photographs. You must inform the landlord in writing about the issue immediately, as delaying can make you liable for further damage.

The landlord should arrange for a professional inspection to determine the root cause. If it's a building defect, they must fix it. If it's primarily due to lifestyle condensation, you may share responsibility. For a patch you describe as "huge," a professional assessment is crucial to determine the cause, the remediation scope, and to test if the mold is affecting indoor air quality, which a certified microbiology lab can verify. Do not attempt to clean significant mold growth yourself, as improper methods aerosolize spores.