Is landlord responsible for mold remediation in rental?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law, the landlord is generally responsible for fixing the source of the moisture that caused the mold, as it falls under the category of structural maintenance. This includes repairing leaks in the roof, external walls, or plumbing systems. The heavy rains you mentioned are a common trigger for such issues in older buildings.

As the tenant, your responsibility typically lies in reporting the issue promptly and maintaining good ventilation to prevent condensation. However, the remediation of the mold growth itself and any damage to your personal property can become a grey area. The landlord is obligated to provide a habitable property, and persistent dampness and mold that affect health can be considered a breach of this.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos of the black mold and the damp wall. Request an immediate inspection to identify and repair the moisture source. For a case this severe, with health symptoms and a persistent damp smell, a professional inspection is critical to document the extent and type of mold, which can strengthen your case.

If the landlord refuses to address the root cause, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC) in Dubai. Given the climate here, with high humidity and year-round AC use, unresolved moisture problems will only recur. A proper remediation must fix the water intrusion, remove the contaminated materials, and restore healthy indoor air quality, not just wipe away the visible mold.