Landlord responsible for black mold removal on external wall?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (Amended by Law No. 33 of 2008), landlords are responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes addressing issues arising from the building's external envelope. Mold growth on an internal surface of an external wall is typically considered a structural maintenance issue, especially if it's linked to water ingress or insufficient insulation.

Given Dubai's high humidity and condensation issues, this is a common problem. The landlord is generally obligated to address the root cause—likely a thermal bridge or minor leak in the wall—and handle the subsequent mold remediation and repairs. Document the issue thoroughly with clear photos and a written notification to your landlord or property management company, citing the dampness affecting the internal structure.

For your children's health, a professional inspection is recommended to assess the full extent. While surface cleaning with a vinegar solution can help temporarily, proper remediation requires fixing the moisture source and may involve wall cavity drying. In serious cases with health symptoms, a lab test can identify the mold species to confirm the risk level.