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

Based on UAE Civil Code and Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is legally obligated to maintain the property in a habitable condition. This includes the structural integrity of the building and the proper functioning of all essential fixtures, such as the air conditioning system. An AC leak constitutes a failure of a provided appliance, making the remediation of the resulting mold growth the landlord's financial and legal responsibility.

The landlord's claim about improper ventilation is a common but often incorrect deflection. While tenant negligence (like never using the AC) can be a factor, Dubai's climate means year-round AC operation is standard. The primary issue is the mechanical failure of the AC unit itself, which leaked water into the building's structure. This hidden moisture intrusion is the root cause, and it is not a tenant maintenance issue.

For a case this severe, with visible growth and health symptoms, a professional inspection is critical. We document the extent of the contamination with moisture meters and thermal imaging to pinpoint the leak's source, and we take air and surface samples to identify the mold species. This technical report is vital evidence to formally present to your landlord, proving the issue is structural and not due to lifestyle. If the landlord remains uncooperative, this report can be used with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai.

Do not attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing extensive mold behind a wardrobe can aerosolize spores throughout your living space, worsening exposure. The remediation process requires containment, professional-grade HEPA filtration, and antimicrobial treatment to ensure it is resolved safely and completely.

For immediate assistance with inspection, testing, and a definitive report for your landlord, contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.