Landlord responsible for black mold cleanup in Dubai apartment?« Back to Previous Page

Your landlord is typically responsible for addressing the root cause and subsequent cleanup of black mold in your apartment, especially if it originates from a structural or maintenance-related moisture issue. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are obligated to maintain the property in a habitable condition, which includes ensuring it is free from dampness and structural defects that lead to mold growth. Since the mold is behind a wardrobe on a wall, this strongly suggests a hidden leak from plumbing, a crack in the wall allowing moisture ingress, or condensation buildup—all of which are generally the landlord's responsibility to investigate and fix.

For your health and to properly document the issue, do not attempt a DIY cleanup. Disturbing the mold can release a large number of spores, potentially worsening your children's coughing. The first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos of the mold and a description of the ongoing health symptoms. Request that they send a professional to conduct a proper inspection to identify and repair the source of the moisture, which is critical. In Dubai's humid climate, where AC systems run year-round, condensation and hidden leaks are common drivers of such problems.

A professional assessment is essential. They will use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the hidden water source that you cannot see. Only after the moisture source is permanently repaired should remediation begin. The cleanup itself must be done by specialists using containment and HEPA filtration to prevent cross-contamination, followed by a post-remediation verification test to confirm the spore count has returned to a normal level. This scientific approach is the only way to ensure the problem is truly resolved and your indoor air is safe.