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

Tenant-landlord responsibility for mold in Dubai rentals is typically dictated by the cause of the moisture. The landlord is responsible for fixing structural or maintenance issues leading to the mold, such as a leaking pipe, faulty waterproofing, a cracked external wall, or a malfunctioning AC unit causing excessive condensation. You, as the tenant, are generally responsible for mold resulting from your lifestyle, like inadequate ventilation during showers, drying clothes indoors, or failing to use exhaust fans.

Your situation in Jumeirah Village points strongly to an environmental or structural cause. The recent high humidity combined with the specific location (a wall behind a sofa and a closet) suggests possible condensation from a temperature differential or a hidden leak. Damp clothes in a closet are a classic sign of excessive ambient humidity, often from an AC not dehumidifying properly or poor ventilation. This is a very common issue in Dubai's climate, where AC systems must work continuously to manage moisture levels.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photos, about the spreading mold and dampness. They are typically obligated to investigate and rectify the source of the moisture under Dubai's rental laws. Do not attempt to simply paint over or clean the mold yourself, as this will not address the underlying water issue and it will return.

For verification and to definitively identify the moisture source, a professional inspection is advisable. A certified inspector can use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the origin—whether it’s condensation, a leak, or rising damp—and provide a report. This objective evidence is invaluable for discussions with your landlord, as it clarifies liability. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center (RDSC) in Dubai, as a property with a mold issue due to a structural fault is likely not considered habitable under your tenancy contract.