Is landlord responsible for black mold from hidden leak?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the UAE Civil Code, particularly Federal Law No. 5 of 1985, the responsibility for structural repairs and issues arising from inherent building faults lies with the landlord. A hidden leak within the wall is unequivocally considered a structural fault. Therefore, your landlord is legally obligated to address both the source of the leak and the resulting black mold contamination. The presence of mold, especially of this magnitude, directly impacts the habitability of the property, which is a core landlord responsibility.

Given the climate in Dubai, with its high humidity and reliance on year-round AC, mold growth can be aggressive. The black patch you discovered is likely just the visible surface manifestation; the hyphae (root structure) can penetrate deep into the drywall and underlying materials. Simply wiping it away is insufficient and hazardous, as it will aerosolize toxic spores, exacerbating your children's respiratory symptoms.

Your immediate action should be to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photographic evidence, and request immediate remediation. For a case of this severity, I strongly recommend a professional assessment. Our certified inspectors at Saniservice can conduct a comprehensive investigation to determine the full extent of the contamination, identify the precise moisture source, and provide a detailed, legally sound report for your landlord. This documentation is crucial. The remediation process itself must involve containment, professional-grade antimicrobial treatment, and removal of affected porous materials to ensure the health of your family.

Do not attempt to handle this yourself. For immediate advice and to schedule a professional inspection, please call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com. Your family's health is the priority.