Am I responsible for mold found during final inspection?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai's rental law, responsibility depends on whether the mold is due to tenant lifestyle or a building defect. If the dampness is from a leaky pipe, faulty external waterproofing, or inadequate AC/dehumidification provided by the building, it is the landlord's responsibility to rectify. However, if the dampness resulted from a tenant action like blocking ventilation or not using the AC, the tenant may be liable.

Given the climate, mold behind furniture is common in Jumeirah due to high humidity and reduced air circulation. The first step is to inform your landlord immediately in writing with photos, as this demonstrates the issue was not caused by neglect over a long period. Do not attempt to clean or repaint it yourself, as this merely covers up the problem and the underlying moisture issue will cause it to return. The landlord should arrange a professional inspection to identify the moisture source—this could be a internal leak, rising damp, or condensation from the apartment's HVAC system not managing humidity levels effectively.

For the final inspection, transparency is key. Explain the recent appearance and the persistent damp feeling. The landlord is typically responsible for ensuring the property is habitable, which includes addressing environmental health issues like mold stemming from structural or mechanical faults. If the landlord insists it is your responsibility, you can request a assessment from Dubai Municipality's Building Inspection Department to determine the cause.