who is responsible for mold in my dubai rental villa?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in this Jumeirah villa for about two years, and I just noticed a bunch of black, fuzzy spots spreading on the wall behind our wardrobe in the master bedroom. It's been so humid lately that the walls almost feel damp. Who is responsible for dealing with this and the potential damage – me as the tenant or my landlord?
Posted by Minh Zhu
Asked on May 3, 2026 6:55 am
Responsibility typically falls on the landlord for structural issues causing the mold and the tenant for lifestyle-related causes. In your Jumeirah villa, the persistent dampness behind the wardrobe strongly suggests a structural problem, like water seepage from a leaking pipe or inadequate external waterproofing, which is the landlord's obligation to repair.

Your first step is to formally notify the landlord or property management company in writing, with photos, and request immediate remediation. The high humidity here acts as an accelerant, but the root cause is usually a physical defect in the building envelope. The landlord must address the source of the moisture. As the tenant, you are responsible for maintaining good ventilation to prevent condensation, but this situation appears to extend beyond that.

For a case with visible spreading, a professional inspection is advised to identify the exact moisture source and mold type. Remediation involves fixing the leak, removing the affected materials, and treating the area—processes a landlord should arrange. Document all communication, as your responsibility is primarily to report the issue and allow access for repairs.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 5, 2026 9:53 am