Who is responsible for black mold in our rental apartment?« Back to Previous Page

The responsibility for black mold remediation in a Dubai rental property is a critical issue governed by your tenancy contract and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, as amended (the 'Dubai Rental Law').

The primary determining factor is the source of the moisture. In your Marina apartment, the location behind the wardrobe and its exacerbation after heavy dew is highly indicative of condensation. This is a common issue in Dubai's climate, where high external humidity meets the cold surfaces of exterior walls cooled by year-round air conditioning. This creates a perfect environment for mold growth. If our professional inspection confirms the cause is condensation due to inadequate insulation or a structural thermal bridge in the building's envelope, the responsibility typically falls to the building owner/management for the structural repair to prevent recurrence.

However, the tenant is responsible for reporting issues in a timely manner and for maintaining adequate ventilation to minimize condensation, such as running bathroom extractor fans and ensuring furniture isn't pressed directly against external walls. The actual remediation of the mold growth itself is often the tenant's responsibility, as it is considered a maintenance issue arising from the living environment.

Given that your wife is experiencing allergic reactions, this is a serious health concern that requires immediate professional assessment. DIY cleaning is not recommended for active spread, as it can aerosolize spores and worsen contamination. We strongly advise you to contact your landlord and building management immediately and recommend a certified mold inspection from a company like Saniservice to definitively identify the moisture source, assess the extent, and provide a remediation protocol. This professional report will be essential for determining final liability for costs.

For an immediate consultation and inspection, please call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.