Who pays for mold removal and repainting, tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

The responsibility typically depends on the cause. In Dubai, landlords are generally responsible for fixing issues related to the building's structure, such as a leaking pipe inside the wall or faulty external waterproofing that allows moisture ingress. Tenants are responsible for damage caused by their own actions or negligence, like failing to use the AC adequately to control humidity.

Given that the mold is on an interior wall in a humid area like Marina and returns after cleaning, the source is likely persistent moisture. This is a common issue in Dubai apartments where AC systems aren't run continuously, leading to condensation buildup within walls. Since your husband's asthma is worsening, this is a health-related repair that should be addressed urgently.

Your first step is to formally notify the landlord or property management company in writing, detailing the issue and its health impact. They should arrange for a professional inspection to identify the moisture source. Simply repainting will not solve the problem; the root cause must be fixed first.

If the inspection proves the issue is structural (e.g., a leak from another unit or poor insulation), the landlord bears the cost for the mold remediation, repair, and repainting. If the cause is deemed to be tenant-related (e.g., blocking ventilation, not using AC), you would be responsible. Given Dubai's climate, the argument for structural or design-related causes is often stronger. Do not proceed with any major work until the cause is professionally diagnosed and responsibility is agreed upon.