Who pays for bedroom mold repair, tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

The wall behind our wardrobe in the bedroom has a bunch of black spots that have been slowly spreading over the last couple of months. We’re in an older building in Bur Dubai and the room just never feels dry, even with the AC on all the time. Who is responsible for fixing this and the cost – is it me as the tenant or is my landlord supposed to handle it?
Posted by Joseph Brown
Asked on May 5, 2026 2:05 pm
Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the responsibility for structural repairs and maintenance of the property falls on the landlord. This includes fixing issues like persistent dampness or leaks in walls that lead to mold growth. Since you're in an older Bur Dubai building with a wall that never feels dry, this strongly suggests an underlying structural or ventilation issue, not a surface problem caused by tenant activities.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or building management in writing, with photos showing the spread of the black spots over months. They are typically obligated to address the source of the moisture, such as a potential leak or inadequate insulation, and repair the affected wall.

However, the cost to remediate the mold itself—the cleaning of your belongings and the interior space—can sometimes become a tenant's responsibility if it's determined the tenant's lack of ventilation caused it. Given that your AC runs constantly and the room still feels damp, this points to a building issue. For a case with ongoing spread, a professional inspection is advised to identify the exact moisture source and mold type; this documented report is your strongest evidence for requiring the landlord to act. The high humidity here means condensation can easily form behind furniture placed against exterior walls, so pulling the wardrobe away from the wall immediately can help slow the spread while you resolve the issue.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 6, 2026 10:25 am