Who is responsible for fixing mold from rain damage?« Back to Previous Page

Responsibility typically falls on the landlord for structural issues leading to water ingress, such as leaks from a compromised roof or walls after heavy rain. Tenants are generally responsible for damage caused by internal negligence, like failing to use AC or not reporting a leak promptly.

In your case, the damp wall following the Sharjah rains strongly suggests a structural water ingress problem, which is the landlord's duty to repair under UAE tenancy law. Their claim about ventilation is a common rebuttal, but it's unlikely to apply to a one-off weather event. Chronic humidity issues from daily living are a shared responsibility, but sudden water penetration from external weather is structural.

Document everything: take clear photos of the mold and the damp wall, note all communication with the landlord, and keep a record of your children's symptoms. You should formally request in writing that the landlord address the leak's source and the resultant mold.

Given the visible spread and health symptoms, a professional inspection is advisable to confirm the moisture source and mold type. In Dubai's humid climate, hidden condensation within walls is common and requires specialized detection equipment. Remediation involves fixing the water source first, then properly removing the contaminated materials—simply wiping it often spreads spores. For health concerns with children, a lab test can identify the mold species, which provides concrete evidence of a problem beyond just visible growth.