Is landlord responsible for black mold on apartment wall?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes addressing issues like persistent dampness and mold that result from building envelope failures. This is particularly relevant if the mold is caused by a leaking pipe, faulty waterproofing, or inadequate external sealing—common issues in older Deira buildings where humidity can exploit any weakness.

Your situation, with recurring growth after wiping and a musty odor causing headaches, indicates a significant moisture source that needs to be professionally diagnosed. Simply wiping surface mold is ineffective and can aggravate spore dispersal. The responsibility hinges on the cause. If the dampness is from an internal leak or condensation from an AC unit you maintain, that may fall to you. However, if it stems from the building's structure, like a leaking central AC condensation line or seepage through the wall, the landlord is obligated to fix it.

Start by formally notifying your landlord or building management in writing, with clear photos, and request a professional inspection to identify the moisture source. Do not attempt a major cleanup yourself, as improper handling can spread contamination. A proper remediation involves isolating the area, removing affected materials, and using HEPA filtration, followed by fixing the root cause. For health symptoms like persistent headaches, professional assessment and lab-based air or surface sampling are advisable to identify the mold type and concentration.