Is landlord responsible for black mold in Dubai apartment?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the UAE Civil Code and specifically the Dubai Rental Law, the landlord is generally responsible for the structural integrity of the property. This includes issues related to water ingress, leaks, and the resulting damage, such as the black mold you're describing.

The key factor is the source of the moisture. Your description of it starting after heavy dew and spreading from the ceiling corner strongly suggests a leak from the roof or a breach in the building envelope, which is unequivocally the landlord's responsibility to investigate and repair. While landlords often blame tenants for not running AC sufficiently to control humidity, maintaining a setting of 23°C is more than adequate to prevent ambient humidity from causing such a severe problem. The persistent dampness you mention indicates an active water intrusion, not just condensation.

For a definitive answer, a professional inspection is critical. We would perform a comprehensive assessment to identify the exact moisture source using tools like thermal imaging and moisture meters. This evidence-based report is what you need to formally present to your landlord, as it legally delineates responsibility. If the landlord remains uncooperative, this report is also essential for filing a case with the Dubai Rental Dispute Center (RDC).

For a situation like this, where the mold is actively spreading, I strongly recommend a professional evaluation immediately to prevent further damage and potential health issues.

Call 800-MOLDS or 800-66537 to schedule an inspection and get a definitive report on the moisture source.