Who is responsible for black mold in my rental apartment?« Back to Previous Page

In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is primarily dictated by the reason for the mold's appearance, as this determines liability under typical tenancy law. The key factor is identifying the source of the moisture.

If the mold is a result of a structural or maintenance issue with the property itself—such as water ingress from a leaking roof, faulty external waterproofing, or a broken AC unit causing condensation—then the responsibility for investigation and repair falls squarely on the landlord. The heavy rains you mentioned are a common trigger for exposing such pre-existing defects in buildings. The landlord is obligated to provide a habitable property, and addressing these fundamental issues is their duty.

However, if the moisture source is determined to be tenant-related—such as inadequate ventilation (e.g., not using the AC's dry mode, blocking air vents), internal water leaks from appliances, or failure to report a minor leak in a timely manner—then the associated repair and remediation costs could be the tenant's responsibility.

Given that the mold is spreading from an external corner and has escalated after rainfall, this strongly suggests a building envelope failure. Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photographs, and request an immediate inspection. Due to the potential health risks and complexity of identifying the exact moisture source, we strongly recommend a professional assessment. Our certified inspectors at Saniservice can conduct a comprehensive investigation, including moisture mapping and air quality testing, to provide an authoritative report on the cause. This report is crucial for definitively establishing liability between you and the landlord.

For immediate advice or to schedule a professional inspection, please call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com.