Who is responsible for mold after rain, tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

Under the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. This includes the roof, external walls, and ceilings. If the leak and subsequent mold growth originated from a structural issue, like a compromised roof or a leaking pipe within the walls from the January rains, the remediation is the landlord's legal obligation.

The landlord's claim about ventilation is a common point of contention. While tenants are responsible for reasonable ventilation, the chronic dampness and regrowth you describe, especially in a rarely used room, strongly indicate an ongoing moisture intrusion from the building envelope itself. Surface wiping is ineffective because the water source is still active behind the ceiling.

Your immediate step is to formally notify the landlord in writing (email is best), detailing the issue with photos and explicitly stating it is a structural defect causing a health hazard. Request a professional inspection to identify the moisture source. A proper assessment involves more than a visual check; it uses moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the hidden leak.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. For your health and to prevent further property damage, do not delay. The humid Dubai climate allows mold to proliferate rapidly once a moisture source is present, and an unresolved leak will only worsen.