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

In the UAE, the legal responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is typically governed by the terms of your tenancy contract and the Dubai Rental Law. Generally, landlords are responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes addressing issues arising from inherent building defects, such as faulty waterproofing, leaking central AC systems, or poor insulation that leads to condensation. If the black mold in your Jumeirah Village closet is a result of such a structural or maintenance issue, your landlord is legally obligated to address it.

However, the responsibility can shift to the tenant if the mold growth is determined to be a direct result of occupant negligence, such as failing to use the AC appropriately to control the extreme Dubai humidity, blocking ventilation grilles, or creating excessive moisture without proper ventilation.

Given the conditions you describe—high humidity and an AC struggling to keep up—this strongly suggests an environmental cause. The constant battle against humidity and condensation in our climate makes professional assessment critical. A DIY approach is not recommended, as improper handling can aerosolize spores and spread contamination. A certified mold inspector will conduct air and surface sampling to identify the species and concentration, perform a moisture mapping assessment to locate the precise source of water intrusion, and provide a detailed protocol for remediation.

For a definitive answer on liability and a scientifically sound solution, you need a professional inspection. I recommend you document the issue, inform your landlord, and engage a specialist like Saniservice. Our teams are certified and use industry-standard protocols to provide a clear report that can be used to determine responsibility. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for an immediate assessment.