Is the mold behind my fridge my responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

The mold behind your fridge is almost certainly your responsibility as the tenant. Standard Dubai tenancy contracts place the maintenance and cleanliness of the interior of the apartment, including appliances and the surfaces around them, on the occupant. The landlord is typically responsible for the building's structure and fixed systems like central AC, plumbing within the walls, and electrical wiring.

This type of mold is a common issue in Dubai due to the high humidity, especially when the fridge’s condenser releases warm, moist air against a cool wall. Combined with the fine dust that permeates our homes, it creates an ideal environment for growth. For a thick layer of grime and mold, a simple wipe-down may not be sufficient. The wall may require scrubbing with a detergent solution and, in many cases, a specific treatment to address the microbial growth and prevent it from rapidly returning.

Before the inspection, it is advisable to clean it yourself to avoid any potential disputes over the apartment's condition upon the landlord's visit. However, if the mold growth appears extensive, has penetrated the wall, or if you have health concerns, it would be prudent to inform the landlord and request that their maintenance team assess it, as this could indicate a underlying moisture issue from within the wall that is their responsibility to fix.