Who is responsible for mold repair costs in a rental?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is generally responsible for repairs to the structure of the property, including walls damaged by leaks or condensation. The tenant is responsible for damage resulting from negligence, like failing to report a leak.

The key is determining the cause. Your landlord's claim that you don't run the AC enough is a common point of contention. Dubai's high humidity, especially during summer and the recent humid season, requires consistent AC use to manage indoor moisture. However, setting it to 24°C while home is a reasonable and common practice; this alone is unlikely to be considered negligent. The mold behind a large piece of furniture like a wardrobe strongly suggests a localized lack of air circulation or a hidden condensation issue within the wall itself, which are structural concerns.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best), with clear photos, and request a professional inspection to identify the moisture source. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize spores. If the landlord refuses to act, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai. They will typically require an expert report to assign liability. A certified mold inspector can determine if the cause is insufficient ventilation (a design or maintenance issue), a hidden pipe leak (landlord's responsibility), or truly due to tenant negligence. The cost of this diagnostic is often the point of negotiation, but the resulting report is the evidence needed to prove responsibility for the subsequent remediation and repairs.