Who fixes bedroom mold, tenant or landlord in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

The wall behind my wardrobe in the bedroom has patches of black mold that have gotten worse since the heavy rain in Al Quoz last month. I’ve been wiping it down with vinegar, but it keeps coming back, and the musty smell is really strong in the mornings. Who is responsible for fixing this—me as the tenant or my landlord? Should I ask them to send a professional, or is this something I have to handle myself?
Posted by Suresh Pillai
Asked on April 13, 2026 11:10 pm
Tenants are typically responsible for reporting the issue promptly, while landlords are responsible for the structural repair to fix the root cause, such as a leak or seepage. Your situation, worsened by rain, suggests an external water ingress issue, which is the landlord's responsibility to address under Dubai's rental law.

You should immediately notify your landlord in writing, with photos, about the mold's recurrence after the Al Quoz rains. This documents the issue and starts the clock on their obligation to respond. Simply wiping the surface with vinegar is a temporary measure; it does not address the moisture source or remove the mold's roots deep within the building materials.

For a case this persistent with a strong musty smell, a professional inspection is necessary to identify the exact moisture source—be it a leaking pipe, cracked exterior sealant, or capillary rise from the foundation. The high humidity and constant AC use in Dubai can create significant condensation issues if a unit is not properly sealed.

The landlord should arrange for a proper remediation that includes fixing the water leak, removing the affected drywall, and treating the area with professional-grade antimicrobial solutions. You can request they use a company that provides before-and-after lab testing to verify the space is safe and the root cause is resolved. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 14, 2026 11:16 pm