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

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for the structural integrity of the property. This includes fixing the source of water ingress, such as a leaky roof or faulty external waterproofing that allowed the heavy rain in Al Quoz to seep in. The resulting water damage and mold growth from that structural issue are their responsibility to remediate.

Your landlord's claim about ventilation is a common point of contention. While tenants are responsible for routine maintenance and preventing condensation through adequate use of bathroom fans or opening windows, this does not apply to water damage from external structural failures. The key factor is the origin of the moisture. If the mold started spreading behind the tiles after a weather event, that strongly indicates an external leak, not internal condensation.

For your children's health, the black mold should be addressed immediately. Document everything: take clear photos of the mold and its location, note the timeline since the rains, and keep records of all communication with the landlord. You can file a formal complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai if the landlord refuses to act.

Given the mold is behind tiles, a professional inspection is critical. They can identify the exact moisture source and extent of the damage, which provides the evidence needed to definitively establish responsibility. Remediation involves fixing the leak, removing affected materials properly to prevent spore dispersal, and restoring the area. Until it's resolved, increase ventilation in the bathroom and consider using a dehumidifier to help manage humidity levels.