Who is responsible for black mold repair in Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's from the black mold that's been spreading in the corner of our master bedroom closet for the last two months. We're in an older building in Al Barsha and the wall always feels a bit damp. Our landlord is saying we need to fix it ourselves because it's an 'internal issue'. Who is legally responsible for the repair costs and the inspection in this situation?
Posted by James Young
Asked on March 16, 2026 9:30 am
This is a very common and serious issue we see in older buildings across Al Barsha, Jumeirah, and other parts of Dubai. The legal responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is typically determined by the source of the moisture.

Under the standard Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is unequivocally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. A persistently damp wall is a clear indicator of a structural or building envelope issue, such as a leaking pipe within the wall, faulty external waterproofing, or air conditioning condensation drain line blockage. These are not "internal issues" created by the tenant; they are core maintenance obligations of the property owner.

Your landlord's assertion is incorrect. The presence of black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum), especially of the magnitude you're describing, constitutes a health hazard that makes the property uninhabitable, which is a breach of the landlord's duty to provide a safe dwelling.

Your first step must be to formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best) about the issue, detailing the health impacts on your children. Demand that they arrange for a professional mold inspection and subsequent remediation. Do not attempt to clean significant black mold yourself, as improper disturbance releases a massive amount of toxic spores into your living space, exacerbating the health risks.

If the landlord continues to refuse, you should file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. They consistently rule in favor of tenants in such clear-cut cases of landlord neglect concerning health and safety.

For a proper assessment to identify the exact moisture source and type of mold, you need a certified professional. We use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to pinpoint the leak's origin without destructive investigation. This report will be crucial evidence for your case.

Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for an immediate inspection. Your family's health is not something to gamble with.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 18, 2026 10:30 am