Suspected mold in Dubai rental; landlord blame risk?« Back to Previous Page

A professional inspection is your first step. In Dubai, that interior wall location combined with recent humidity suggests a condensation issue, likely from the AC system, which is very common here. The damp smell on clothes confirms active growth. This is typically a building maintenance issue, not tenant-caused damage.

Landlords can be quick to blame tenants for not ventilating properly. Your strongest position is a certified inspection report that identifies the moisture source. Look for a provider that uses a borescope to inspect inside the wall cavity and delivers a documented lab analysis of the mold species. This report is your evidence to prove the root cause is structural, not your lifestyle.

Under Dubai rental law (RERA), landlords are responsible for maintaining the property's structure, including issues stemming from faulty insulation or AC systems that lead to dampness. Document everything with dated photos showing the progression since the humidity increased. Present the professional findings to the landlord formally, as this type of hidden defect is generally their obligation to remedy.