Who is responsible for mold remediation after Dubai rains?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past month, and I just found patches of black mold behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom. We’ve lived in this Jumeirah Village Triangle villa for two years and never had an issue until after the heavy rains in March. Who is legally responsible for arranging and paying for the mold remediation here, us as tenants or the landlord?
Posted by Jin Huang
Asked on May 5, 2026 11:40 am
Under Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes addressing leaks and water ingress that lead to mold. Since the issue began after the heavy rains, the source is likely a leak or seepage through the building envelope, which is the landlord's responsibility to repair.

As the tenant, your responsibility is to report the issue in writing to the landlord or property management company immediately. This formal notification is crucial. You should document the mold with photos and detail the health symptoms, as this creates a record linking the property condition to your family's well-being.

For a case involving persistent health symptoms and visible growth, a professional inspection is strongly advised. An independent assessment can identify the specific moisture source (e.g., a cracked roof tile, faulty sealant) and confirm the mold type, which is vital for effective remediation. The landlord is typically responsible for the cost of the repairs to the structure and the subsequent mold removal required because of that defect. However, the process for determining this often starts with a professional diagnostic report.

The high humidity following Dubai's rains creates perfect conditions for mold, especially in enclosed spaces like behind furniture. Until the issue is resolved, improve air circulation in the room and keep the AC running on dry mode to help lower indoor humidity levels.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 6, 2026 3:00 pm