Who handles mold in a rented apartment: landlord or management?« Back to Previous Page

Excellent question, and a very common point of confusion for tenants here in Dubai. The short answer is that in nearly all cases, the primary legal responsibility for remedying a mold issue falls on the landlord.

Here's the breakdown based on UAE law, specifically Dubai Rental Law No. 26 of 2007. The landlord is legally obligated to provide a habitable property that is fit for purpose and to maintain the structural integrity of the unit. This includes addressing underlying issues that cause mold, such as leaking pipes, faulty AC drainage, or pre-existing water infiltration in external walls. Your responsibility as a tenant is typically limited to reporting the issue in a timely manner and maintaining good ventilation within the space.

However, the building management (or Owners' Association) becomes involved if the root cause is a central building issue. For example, if the mold is a result of a leak from a central air conditioning chiller pipe in the ceiling void, a leaking roof, or seepage from a neighboring apartment, the management is responsible for fixing that specific common element. The landlord would then coordinate with them.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing (email is best), detailing the issue with clear photographs. Do not attempt to remove the mold yourself, especially with bleach, as this can exacerbate the problem and doesn't address the moisture source. Given your concern for your toddler and the description of spreading black patches, this warrants an immediate professional inspection. We can identify the species of mold and, crucially, use tools like thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact moisture source that must be fixed.

For a definitive assessment and to protect your family's health, please call us at 800-MOLDS or 800-66537 to schedule an inspection.