Who is responsible for damp wall repair in my rental?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the description of a damp wall with active black and green mold growth behind a wardrobe in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, this is a significant issue requiring immediate attention. The primary cause is almost certainly a combination of Dubai's high ambient humidity and a hidden source of moisture, such as a leaking pipe within the wall, a failed waterproofing membrane on the external facade, or severe condensation buildup due to the temperature differential between the air-conditioned room and the warm, humid air infiltrating the building envelope.

Under UAE rental law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai, the responsibility for structural repairs and maintenance of the property's core systems falls squarely on the landlord. This includes fixing the source of the dampness, such as internal pipework leaks or external waterproofing failures. The tenant is typically responsible for minor maintenance and any damage they directly cause.

However, the mold remediation itself can become a point of contention. The landlord is responsible for rectifying the source of the moisture. The cost of remediating the resulting mold damage may depend on whether the tenant promptly reported signs of initial dampness or if negligence exacerbated the problem.

Given the visible and spreading nature of the mold, a professional inspection is critical. We must identify the exact moisture source through specialized tools like thermal imaging and moisture meters. Speckled black and green growth suggests a potentially harmful species. Disturbing it without proper containment and PPE can aerosolize spores, creating a health hazard and spreading the contamination.

I strongly recommend you immediately contact your landlord or property management company in writing, detailing the issue with photographs. For a definitive assessment and to protect your health, engage a professional environmental service like Saniservice. Our certified experts can conduct a thorough inspection, identify the moisture source, and provide a detailed report for your landlord, along with a scope for safe, compliant remediation. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for an urgent consultation.