Who is responsible for damp mold on my rental wall?« Back to Previous Page

The responsibility for damp mold remediation in a Dubai rental typically falls on the landlord. Under UAE law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity and ensuring it is habitable, which includes fixing issues like leaks in external walls or faulty AC units that cause condensation.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, including photos of the damp wall and mold. They are generally obligated to investigate and fix the source of the moisture, such as a leaking pipe or seepage from outside. The high humidity in Deira, especially when combined with year-round AC use that can create cold surfaces for condensation to form, accelerates mold growth behind furniture like wardrobes where air doesn't circulate.

While the landlord handles the structural repair, the extent of tenant responsibility for the mold cleanup can depend on what caused it. If the dampness is due to a structural fault, the landlord should cover the full remediation. If it was caused by tenant behavior (e.g., blocking an AC vent entirely, not ventilating the room), you may be asked to contribute. For a case with a strong musty smell and visible growth, a professional inspection is wise to identify the exact mold species and moisture source—this provides a clear, scientific report for your landlord and confirms the necessary scope of work. Do not attempt to clean significant growth yourself with bleach, as this can disturb toxic spores and only addresses the surface issue, not the underlying dampness.