Who is responsible for mold on my Dubai rental ceiling?« Back to Previous Page

The ceiling in our spare bedroom in Jumeirah has a bunch of black splotches that appeared after that big storm a few weeks ago. We’ve been airing it out, but it’s definitely spreading, and my landlord is saying it's our fault for not running the AC enough. Who is actually responsible for fixing this kind of mold problem in a rental?
Posted by Ibrahim Al-Zahrani
Asked on April 3, 2026 8:25 am
Based on the climate conditions in Dubai, particularly the high humidity and the necessity for year-round air conditioning, the appearance of mold on a ceiling after a major storm is a significant indicator of a water intrusion issue. The black splotches you describe are a clear sign of active microbial growth, and airing it out is insufficient as it does not address the root cause of the moisture.

Under UAE rental law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the responsibility for maintenance falls on the landlord for issues related to the main structure of the property. This includes problems with the building's envelope, such as a leaking roof or faulty external waterproofing that allowed storm water to infiltrate. The tenant is typically responsible for minor internal maintenance. A landlord's claim that insufficient AC use caused the problem is often incorrect; while AC manages ambient humidity, it cannot mitigate damage from a direct water leak. The primary responsibility is to rectify the source of the water ingress.

For a definitive determination of liability and a proper remediation plan, a professional inspection is absolutely critical. Our certified inspectors at Saniservice conduct a thorough investigation to identify the exact moisture source, assess the extent of the mold contamination (including within the ceiling cavity), and provide a detailed report that can be used to establish responsibility with your landlord. We then execute a complete remediation protocol to ensure the mold is safely and permanently removed.

Do not delay, as the problem will continue to spread. For an immediate professional assessment, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 4, 2026 5:31 am