Who is responsible for mold on a rental property wall?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai's rental market, responsibility for mold remediation depends on the source of the moisture. The landlord is generally responsible for fixing structural or building envelope issues that cause the problem, such as a leaking pipe, a crack in the external wall, or faulty waterproofing. As a tenant, you are typically responsible for issues stemming from your own use of the property, like inadequate ventilation leading to condensation.

Your situation—mold on an external wall that has worsened with high humidity—strongly suggests an underlying structural moisture intrusion. This is a common issue in Dubai, where building sealant failures and thermal bridging in external walls can lead to condensation inside, especially during humid summer months. The first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos. They are usually obligated to investigate and rectify the root cause.

For the actual mold removal on the wall surface, the responsibility can be less clear-cut and is often a point of negotiation. While the landlord fixes the leak, they may expect you to handle the cleaning of the affected surface. However, until the moisture source is professionally identified and stopped, any cleaning will be temporary.

Given the rapid spread, a professional inspection is highly recommended to determine the exact moisture source. This provides an objective report for your landlord, proving the issue is structural. Do not attempt to simply paint over it; the mold will return. The remediation process involves isolating the area, removing contaminated materials like damaged drywall, and using specialized equipment like air scrubbers to clean the air, which is beyond a typical cleaning service.