Who fixes mold in a rental apartment: tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

Landlords are typically responsible for fixing mold issues in Dubai rental apartments, especially when the source is a structural or maintenance problem like a leaking pipe, faulty AC condensation drain, or water seepage through the wall. Your tenancy contract is governed by Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, which stipulates the landlord must maintain the property to be habitable.

Since the mold returned after cleaning, the source is likely persistent moisture. In JVC's climate, this is often from high indoor humidity or a hidden leak. Bleach only removes surface discoloration and can push spores deeper; it does not address the moisture source.

Your first step is to formally notify the landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos of the recurring mold. They are obligated to investigate and repair the root cause, such as fixing a leak or improving ventilation. If the issue is due to tenant behavior, like severely restricting AC use and allowing humidity to build up, you could be liable for the remediation cost.

For a recurring patch, a professional inspection is wise to identify the exact moisture source. In many cases, the culprit is a blocked AC drain line causing overflow in the ceiling void or condensation due to poor insulation. A certified mold assessor can provide a documented report, which is strong evidence for your landlord and clarifies responsibility.