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

My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's because of the black mold I've found growing along the edges of the bedroom ceiling in our Jumeirah apartment. It started appearing a couple of months ago and has gotten worse since the humidity spiked. I've told my landlord about it, but he says it's our fault for not running the AC enough to control the moisture. Who is legally responsible for the inspection and remediation costs in Dubai, the tenant or the landlord?
Posted by Lisa Allen
Asked on March 28, 2026 9:10 pm
The landlord is typically responsible for structural issues causing mold, including leaks or inadequate insulation that lead to condensation. However, the tenant can be held responsible if the cause is their negligence, such as failing to use the AC properly to control humidity, which is a common defense landlords use.

In your Jumeirah apartment, the humidity spike is a key factor. Dubai's climate requires consistent AC use to manage indoor moisture. If you can demonstrate you've been using the AC appropriately and the mold is due to a building envelope issue (like a hidden leak from upstairs or poor window seals), the responsibility falls on the landlord. Document everything: photos of the mold, records of your AC usage (like utility bills), and all communications with the landlord.

For a definitive answer on cause and responsibility, a professional inspection is essential. A certified mold assessment can identify the moisture source and species of mold, which is critical evidence. The report will determine if the issue is structural (landlord's duty) or due to occupant habits (tenant's duty). Given the health symptoms you describe, this step is strongly recommended to resolve the dispute and ensure a safe remediation.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 30, 2026 6:24 pm