Who pays for black mold removal in a Dubai apartment?« Back to Previous Page

Based on Dubai's rental law, specifically Law No. 26 of 2007 and its amendments, the responsibility for mold removal is determined by the cause of the infestation. The landlord is legally obligated to maintain the property's structural integrity. Therefore, if the mold is a result of a structural issue, such as a leaking roof, faulty external waterproofing, or seepage from a neighboring unit, the financial responsibility for both the inspection and the complete remediation falls squarely on the landlord.

However, if a professional inspection conclusively determines that the mold growth is due to tenant negligence—such as a chronic failure to use the AC to control humidity, intentionally blocking ventilation ducts, or damage caused by internal leaks that were not reported promptly—the tenant may be held liable for the costs.

In your JVC case, the location on the ceiling corner strongly suggests an external or structural origin, which is exacerbated by the high dew point and condensation common in Dubai's climate. Even with the AC on, if there is an underlying ingress of moisture, condensation will form on cold surfaces, leading to mold. The landlord's claim of improper ventilation is often a first response but may not hold up under a professional assessment.

I strongly recommend you immediately engage a certified mold inspection company like Saniservice. Our experts use thermal imaging and moisture meters to identify the precise source of the moisture intrusion. This detailed technical report is crucial evidence to definitively establish liability with your landlord under Dubai law. For a professional assessment and to discuss your specific situation, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.