Is landlord responsible for black mold in rental?« Back to Previous Page

In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is typically determined by the cause of the moisture, as stipulated in the standard tenancy contract and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended). The landlord is generally responsible for the structural integrity of the property. This includes fixing leaks from external walls, roofs, or faulty plumbing that lead to dampness and mold growth. Given your description of the mold starting after a humid spell and creeping along the wall corner, this strongly suggests a construction or insulation-related moisture issue, which would fall under the landlord's obligation to rectify.

However, tenants are responsible for issues arising from their own negligence or lifestyle. This includes excessive moisture generated from indoor activities (like drying clothes indoors) and, critically, the maintenance of air conditioning units. In Dubai's climate, AC systems are a primary source of condensation. If a poorly maintained or incorrectly sized AC unit causes excess humidity and condensation within the apartment, the tenant may be held responsible for the resulting mold and the cost of servicing the AC.

Given that the mold is black and spreading, and your children are exhibiting respiratory symptoms, this is a serious health and safety issue. I strongly recommend you immediately inform your landlord in writing with photographic evidence and request a professional mold inspection. Do not attempt to clean significant black mold yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize toxic spores.

Our team at Saniservice are certified mold inspection and remediation specialists. We can conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify the exact moisture source and species of mold, providing a definitive report on liability. For immediate assistance, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.