Landlord or tenant responsible for mold behind wardrobe?« Back to Previous Page

Responsibility for mold removal depends on the source of the moisture. Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are responsible for fixing structural defects and issues with the building's envelope, such as leaking pipes in the walls or faulty external waterproofing that causes seepage.

If the mold is due to condensation from constant AC use in our humid climate—especially on cold exterior walls behind furniture like a wardrobe—this is often considered a maintenance issue for the tenant to manage through improved ventilation. However, the persistent high humidity here can also expose pre-existing insulation or waterproofing flaws a landlord must address.

Document the issue with photos and formally notify your landlord in writing immediately. For a proper assessment, a professional inspection can identify the moisture source using tools like thermal imaging and moisture meters. This evidence is crucial for determining responsibility. If the landlord disputes it, opening a case with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai is the next step, where an independent report from a certified mold inspection company is typically required.

Given your lease is up for renewal, resolving this before signing a new contract is advisable to ensure clarity on who bears the cost for the required remediation.