Landlord responsible for mold from possible building leak?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai, the landlord is typically responsible for remedying mold caused by a building defect or water leak from outside the property, such as a leaking external wall or roof. This is outlined in the Rental Law, which states landlords must maintain the property's structure and ensure it is habitable. Since you mention the mold is on an exterior wall and worsened after heavy rain, this strongly suggests an external water intrusion issue, which is the landlord's responsibility to investigate and repair.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing (email is best), include clear photos of the mold and its location, and describe the musty smell. They are obligated to send a technician to identify and fix the source of the moisture. Do not attempt to remove it yourself yet, as cleaning without fixing the leak will cause it to return quickly.

Given Dubai's high humidity and constant AC use, what appears as a small patch can often conceal more extensive growth inside the wall cavity. A professional inspection with moisture meters and thermal imaging is needed to assess the full extent. The remediation process itself involves isolating the area, removing contaminated materials, HEPA vacuuming, and antimicrobial treatment—not just wiping the surface.

If the landlord disputes responsibility or is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. For your health and to document the issue, consider an independent indoor environmental assessment; the lab report identifying the mold genus and confirming the moisture source provides concrete evidence for your case.