Who is responsible for black mold: landlord or tenant?« Back to Previous Page

In the UAE, particularly in high-humidity coastal areas like Dubai Marina, the responsibility for mold remediation is dictated by the cause of the moisture. The landlord is unequivocally responsible for the structural integrity of the property. This includes addressing underlying construction defects, faulty waterproofing, leaking pipes within the walls, or compromised building envelope issues that allow moisture ingress. Your description of the mold on an external-facing wall strongly suggests a potential leak from the outside or a chronic condensation issue due to a lack of proper insulation—a structural defect that falls under the landlord's legal obligation to rectify under standard tenancy contracts and Dubai's rental laws.

However, tenants are responsible for maintaining the property through adequate ventilation to manage the intense ambient humidity. While running the AC is crucial, it must be set to a consistently low temperature (e.g., 22-24°C) to effectively remove moisture from the air. Simply having it on is not sufficient; its dehumidification function must be active. Mould in enclosed spaces like closets often indicates localized stagnant air, which can be exacerbated by overfilling the closet or not occasionally airing it out.

Given your situation, the persistent dampness within the wall is a clear indicator of a structural issue. We strongly recommend a professional inspection to identify the exact moisture source. Our certified inspectors use thermal imaging and moisture meters to differentiate between condensation and intrusion, providing a definitive report that outlines liability. This report is vital for discussions with your landlord. For a conclusive assessment and remediation plan, please contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.