Tenant or landlord responsible for mold remediation in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

The responsibility depends on the source of the moisture causing the mold. In Dubai's rental market, landlords are generally responsible for fixing structural defects that lead to water intrusion, such as leaks in the building envelope, faulty plumbing, or inadequate external waterproofing. This is typically outlined in your tenancy contract under the landlord's obligations for major maintenance.

Tenants are usually responsible for mold caused by their own actions, such as failing to use the AC adequately to control the extreme humidity, not reporting a minor leak promptly, or creating excessive indoor moisture. However, the persistent return after cleaning suggests a deeper issue, likely a hidden leak in the wall or rising damp from a structural flaw – which falls to the landlord to rectify.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photos, and request an investigation into the moisture source. Do not attempt a major remediation yourself, as it will recur without fixing the root cause. For a case this persistent, a professional inspection is key to identify the exact origin, as the required repair could be anything from a seepage issue to an internal pipe leak.

The remediation itself (removing the mold) is often negotiated but logically follows the repair. If the landlord fixes the leak, they may agree to handle the cleanup. If the cause is tenant-related, you would be responsible. Given Dubai's climate, ensuring the closet has adequate air circulation from the AC is also a tenant's duty to prevent future occurrences.