Is black mold in rental a landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007) and subsequent regulations, the responsibility for mold remediation depends on the root cause. The landlord is legally obligated to maintain the property's structure and ensure it is habitable. This includes addressing fundamental construction issues like water infiltration through the building envelope, leaking pipes within the walls, or faulty external waterproofing that lead to chronic dampness.

Given your description—the mold is on an exterior wall in Jumeirah, and your dehumidifier is struggling against the extreme summer humidity—this strongly suggests a potential structural moisture intrusion. The constant HVAC operation in Dubai's climate can also cause condensation issues if insulation or vapor barriers are deficient, which is a construction flaw.

Your responsibility as a tenant is typically limited to damage caused by your own negligence, such as failing to use provided AC systems or ventilating the property properly. Since you are actively using a dehumidifier, this points to a pre-existing structural issue.

However, a definitive determination requires a professional inspection. A certified mold assessor can conduct moisture mapping and thermal imaging to identify the exact source of the water, which is critical for assigning liability. We strongly recommend you do not attempt to clean significant black mold yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize harmful mycotoxins.

For a definitive assessment and to document the cause for your landlord, contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for a comprehensive inspection and a detailed report that outlines the cause and necessary remedial actions, which you can then present to the property owner.