Who is responsible for mold in our apartment: landlord or us?« Back to Previous Page

Responsibility for mold in a rental apartment is typically determined by the cause, as outlined in Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007). The landlord is responsible for fixing the underlying issue causing the mold, which is often a structural or maintenance-related defect like a leaking pipe, faulty waterproofing, or inadequate insulation. You, as the tenant, are responsible for issues stemming from your own negligence, such as failing to use the AC properly or not reporting a leak in a timely manner, which allows the mold to proliferate.

Given that the mold is on the ceiling and worsened after a period of high humidity, the cause is likely a leak from the unit above, a roof issue, or condensation due to poor insulation—all typically the landlord's responsibility to rectify. The first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photos, and request an immediate inspection to identify the moisture source. Do not attempt to simply clean or paint over it, as the mold will return if the water intrusion is not stopped.

For health and documentation purposes, a professional inspection can identify the mold species and the precise cause of the moisture. In Dubai's climate, where AC systems run year-round, improper settings can lead to condensation that fuels mold growth, which can sometimes blur the lines of responsibility. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. They will require evidence, so maintaining a paper trail of all communications and a professional assessment report is crucial.