Is my landlord responsible for fixing black mold?« Back to Previous Page

Based on UAE tenancy law, particularly Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is typically responsible for addressing structural and maintenance issues that affect the habitability of the property. This absolutely includes persistent moisture intrusion and the resulting mold growth, especially in a ground-floor apartment in a humid coastal area like Jumeirah where underlying dampness can be a core issue.

The key factor is the source of the moisture. If the black mold in your bathroom corner is due to a leaking pipe within the walls, faulty waterproofing, or poor building ventilation - which are all structural - the landlord is obligated to rectify it. However, if the mold is solely due to a lack of tenant ventilation (e.g., not using the exhaust fan during showers), the responsibility for cleaning may fall to you. Given that it returns despite cleaning and is severe enough to potentially cause health symptoms like your children's coughing, this strongly indicates a systemic issue beyond surface condensation.

The best approach is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing (email is best), detailing the issue, its persistence, and the health concerns. Clearly request a professional inspection to identify the root moisture source. Do not attempt to remediate major growth yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize spores and worsen the problem.

For a definitive assessment and to document the issue for your landlord, I highly recommend a professional mold inspection and air quality test. We can identify the species and moisture source. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule. This provides the evidence needed to ensure the landlord addresses it properly.