Is black mold in rental apartment landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Based on UAE rental law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is generally responsible for the maintenance of the main structure of the property, including issues with walls, ceilings, and inherent building systems like ventilation and air conditioning. The presence of a large patch of black mold, especially following a period of high humidity, strongly suggests an underlying issue such as water infiltration from a leaking pipe, rising damp, or a failure in the building's HVAC system. These are considered structural defects and fall under the landlord's obligation to rectify.

However, the tenant's responsibility is to maintain the interior of the property in a clean and habitable condition. If the mold growth is determined to be a direct result of tenant negligence—for instance, a failure to use provided ventilation fans, blocking AC vents, or not reporting a minor water spill promptly—the cost of remediation could potentially be attributed to the tenant.

Given the description of a "huge patch" and a persistent damp smell, this is a serious case. We highly recommend you immediately notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photographic evidence. Do not attempt to clean significant black mold yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize toxic spores and exacerbate the health risk and property contamination.

A professional inspection is absolutely crucial to identify the precise moisture source and the extent of the contamination. Our certified mold assessors can provide a detailed report that definitively establishes the cause, which is essential for determining liability under UAE law. For immediate assistance with inspection and testing, please call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com.