Who pays for mold repair in a rented Dubai apartment?« Back to Previous Page

Responsibility depends on the source of the moisture. Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for repairs to the main structure of the property, including the roof and external walls. If the mold is a result of a pre-existing leak from the building's exterior or a structural issue, the building management or landlord must cover the cost of both the repair and the mold remediation.

However, if the moisture source is determined to be from internal tenant activities—like inadequate ventilation leading to condensation—the tenant may be held responsible for the resulting damage and cleanup. Given your description of the wall feeling damp and the issue starting after heavy rains, a leak from the building envelope is a strong possibility.

Your first step is to immediately notify your landlord and building management in writing, with clear photos and a description of the timeline. They have a legal obligation to investigate. Do not attempt to simply paint over it; the water source must be identified and stopped first. Given the extent you describe, a professional inspection is crucial to document the cause and required remediation scope, which often involves controlled removal and addressing the humidity. In Dubai's climate, with high humidity and year-round AC use, improper remediation can lead to rapid regrowth.