Is my landlord responsible for black mold cleanup?« Back to Previous Page

As a certified mold inspection and remediation specialist operating in Dubai, I can provide clarity on this common issue in our climate. The presence of black mold, especially of a significant size behind furniture, is a serious health and structural concern that requires immediate attention.

Under the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and ensuring it is habitable. This includes addressing issues arising from inherent building defects, such as faulty waterproofing, leaking central AC systems, or inadequate ventilation that leads to persistent dampness—a primary cause of mold in our humid environment. If the mold growth is a direct result of such a structural issue, your landlord is legally obligated to rectify the cause and the resulting damage, including cleanup and repainting.

However, responsibility can become complicated. Landlords may argue that tenant behavior—such as not using exhaust fans, overfilling rooms, or failing to run the AC consistently to control humidity—contributed to the problem. The recent high humidity is a known catalyst, but the underlying cause must be professionally diagnosed.

Given your children's health symptoms, I strongly recommend a professional inspection. Our experts at Saniservice can conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine the mold species (e.g., toxic Stachybotrys or less hazardous Cladosporium), identify the precise moisture source, and provide a detailed report. This report is crucial evidence for formally requesting remediation from your landlord. Do not attempt to clean significant black mold yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize toxins and worsen the contamination.

For an immediate professional assessment and to protect your family's health, please call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com. We can document the issue to support your case with the landlord and provide a certified remediation solution if required.