Is landlord responsible for black mold removal cost?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing constantly since the humidity spiked a few weeks ago, and I’m sure it’s from the black mold I just found behind our bedroom wardrobe. We’ve been in this Jumeirah Village Triangle villa for three years and never had an issue until now. Who is responsible for dealing with this and the cost—is it on me as the tenant to clean it, or is the landlord required to fix the underlying dampness problem?
Posted by Giuseppe Wisniewski
Asked on March 28, 2026 12:57 am
Based on UAE Civil Code and the standard Ejari tenancy contract, the landlord is unequivocally responsible for addressing and covering the cost of black mold removal, provided the issue stems from a structural or inherent building defect.

Your description points directly to a classic case of rising or penetrating dampness, likely due to a compromised damp proof course or a hidden pipe leak within the wall cavity. This is a structural maintenance issue, falling squarely under the landlord's obligation to maintain the property's fundamental habitability. The recent humidity spike simply exacerbated the existing, latent problem.

As a tenant, you are responsible for general cleanliness and reporting issues promptly, which you have done. You should formally notify your landlord/property manager in writing (email is best for a paper trail) with clear photos of the mold and the affected area. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this only removes surface discoloration and does not address the underlying moisture source or the hazardous mycotoxins.

For a case like this, especially with health symptoms present, a professional inspection and remediation is non-negotiable. We need to conduct a moisture mapping survey to identify the exact source of the water intrusion and provide a detailed scope of work for the landlord. This evidence is crucial for holding them accountable.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can escalate to the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center. For immediate professional assessment and a certified report, call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com. Your family's health is the priority here.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 29, 2026 10:40 pm