Who is responsible for mold repair cost in a rental?« Back to Previous Page

Responsibility for mold repair costs in a rental depends on the source of the moisture. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for fixing structural defects and maintaining the property's core condition. This includes repairing leaking pipes, faulty waterproofing, or cracks in the building envelope that allow water ingress. If the dampness stems from the building's structure, the repair cost and resultant mold remediation fall to the landlord.

However, if the moisture is a direct result of tenant behavior—such as chronic failure to use the AC to control humidity, blocking ventilation, or causing specific water damage—the tenant may be liable. Landlords often cite AC use, but in Marina's high humidity, AC systems are essential for removing ambient moisture from the air to prevent condensation, which is a building design consideration.

Given your symptoms and the visible growth, this is a serious case. Headaches and a strong musty smell suggest an established colony. Your first step is to get a professional inspection to definitively identify the moisture source. A certified mold assessment includes moisture mapping and often air or surface sampling to document the type and concentration of mold, which creates a factual report for the landlord.

Before contacting the landlord again, obtain that independent report. If it concludes the issue is structural, formally request repairs in writing, citing your right to a habitable property. If the landlord refuses, you can file a case with the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre in Dubai. The cost of the initial diagnostic inspection is typically borne by the tenant, but it is a critical investment to substantiate your claim. Without it, the dispute becomes a matter of opinion.