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

Based on UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the property owner (landlord) is unequivocally responsible for addressing and rectifying issues related to the property's structural integrity and essential services, which includes the maintenance of the air conditioning system and the resulting damage from its failure. The black, speckled patches you describe are a direct consequence of the AC unit leaking for over a month. This persistent moisture intrusion creates the ideal conditions for mold growth, a common issue exacerbated by Dubai's high humidity and our reliance on year-round AC, which can lead to significant condensation problems.

Your landlord's assertion that it is "just humidity" is a significant understatement. What you are likely seeing is Stachybotrys chartarum, commonly referred to as black mold, which can pose health risks and indicates a serious moisture problem within the wall cavity. Simply cleaning the visible surface is a completely inadequate and temporary solution; the fungal colony's roots (hyphae) penetrate the building materials, and the moisture source must be professionally identified and eliminated.

As the tenant, your responsibility is to report the defect in a timely manner, which you have done. The landlord is legally obligated to engage a professional mold inspection and remediation company to properly assess the extent of the contamination, repair the AC leak, and execute a certified removal process. This is not a cosmetic issue but a building hygiene and potential health concern.

For a definitive assessment and to ensure the remediation is handled to international standards, I strongly recommend you insist on a professional evaluation. You can contact our specialists at Saniservice for a comprehensive inspection and a detailed report. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a survey. This will provide you with the documented evidence needed to formally request the necessary repairs from your landlord.