Who is responsible for mold from a leak in Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page

The landlord is legally responsible for fixing the source of the leak causing the mold, as per Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007). This includes repairing structural issues like leaking pipes, faulty AC drainage, or cracks in the building envelope. Your responsibility as a tenant is typically to report the issue promptly and allow reasonable access for repairs.

Document everything: take clear photos of the black patch and the damp wall, and formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the leak and resulting mold. With Dubai's high humidity, what starts as a small leak can rapidly escalate into a significant mold problem if the moisture source isn't addressed.

While the landlord must fix the leak, the approach to mold remediation depends on the cause. If the leak is from the building's structure, they should handle the full repair and remediation. If the issue is determined to be solely from tenant-related condensation (e.g., completely blocking all ventilation), the responsibility could shift. A professional inspection is key here to identify the exact moisture source. This provides an unbiased report that clarifies responsibility and the required scope of work, which is invaluable if a dispute arises with the landlord. For any visible black mold spreading on walls, professional assessment and remediation are strongly advised to ensure it is handled safely and effectively.