Who is responsible for fixing damp moldy wall?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is generally responsible for the maintenance of the property's basic structure. This includes fixing issues with the building envelope, such as a leaking or damp wall. Since you're on the ground floor in JVC, this is a common location for rising damp or seepage from external ground moisture, which is a structural issue.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos of the black patches and the damp wall. They are obligated to address the root cause of the moisture intrusion. The cost of the structural repair, such as fixing external waterproofing or a leaking pipe within the wall, falls on them.

However, the responsibility for the contents and interior surfaces can be less clear. The landlord fixes the structure, but you, as the tenant, are typically responsible for the contents of the home and may be asked to cover the cost of cosmetic repairs like repainting the wall after the leak is fixed. Any mold remediation needed inside the apartment, such as cleaning affected belongings or the wardrobe, is also usually the tenant's responsibility.

Given the description of black, fuzzy patches that have been spreading for months, a professional inspection is strongly advised to identify the mold species and the exact moisture source. In Dubai's humid climate, what starts as condensation behind a wardrobe can quickly develop into a more significant problem. A certified inspector can provide a report that clearly outlines the cause, which is essential documentation for your landlord and for planning the correct remediation strategy.