Landlord responsible for damp wall and mold in bedroom?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are generally responsible for the structural integrity of the property and for repairs to main building features, including plumbing and external walls. A damp internal wall, especially one that is spreading, typically indicates a leak from a pipe within the wall or water ingress from outside, which are structural issues. You are responsible for general upkeep and cleanliness, but not for repairing the source of the moisture.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos of the dampness and mold. They are obligated to investigate and fix the source of the water intrusion. Do not simply clean the visible mold yourself, as the underlying moisture problem will cause it to return. The high humidity in Dubai, particularly during summer and in poorly ventilated spaces like behind furniture, accelerates this growth.

Once the leak is fixed and the wall is dry, then remediation can begin. For a case this persistent, a professional inspection is advised to confirm the extent behind the wardrobe. Proper remediation involves removing the affected materials and treating the area, not just wiping it down. If the landlord disputes responsibility, you can file a complaint with the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center (RDC).