Who is responsible for black mold in my Dubai apartment?« Back to Previous Page

Based on UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is generally responsible for the maintenance of the structural elements of the property, including walls and the building envelope, to ensure it is habitable. Since the mold is on the wall and appeared after a spike in humidity, the root cause is likely a persistent moisture intrusion. This could be a leaking pipe within the wall, inadequate external waterproofing, or a failure in the building's AC system leading to condensation—all of which are the landlord's responsibility to investigate and rectify. The cost of the remediation for the structural issue and any resultant mold should therefore fall to them.

However, as a tenant, you are responsible for maintaining the property through adequate ventilation, such as running the AC consistently to manage Dubai's high humidity levels, and promptly reporting any issues. Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photos, and request an immediate inspection to identify the moisture source.

Given the potential health risks and complexity of identifying hidden moisture sources, we strongly recommend a professional assessment. Our certified inspectors at Saniservice use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact cause of the moisture intrusion, which is critical for a permanent solution. We can provide a detailed report you can present to your landlord to substantiate your claim. For immediate advice or to schedule an inspection, please call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com.