Who is responsible for black mold cleanup by landlord?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is generally responsible for the structural integrity of the property. This includes addressing leaks in plumbing, roofing, or the building envelope that cause water intrusion and subsequent mold growth. Since you notified your landlord months ago about a leak and the mold is now spreading, the responsibility for the repairs to fix the leak source and the subsequent mold remediation typically falls on them.

Your responsibility as a tenant is typically limited to reporting the issue promptly and allowing access for repairs. However, tenant liability could come into play if the moisture source was due to your own negligence, like failing to use the AC, causing excessive condensation, or not reporting a spill.

For a situation like this in JVC, where humidity is a major factor, start by formally documenting everything. Send a dated written notice to the landlord and property management, with clear photos of the mold and the suspected leak source. Request immediate action to stop the moisture and remediate the mold.

Given the health symptoms and visible growth, a professional inspection is strongly advised to assess the full extent. Remediation involves more than just wiping the visible spot; it requires fixing the moisture source, properly containing the area during cleanup to prevent spore spread, and disposing of contaminated porous materials like drywall or insulation. A company with a microbiology lab can identify the species, which is important for understanding potential health risks and ensuring the cleanup protocol is correct. The landlord should cover the cost of this diagnostic and remediation process as it stems from a structural issue they were made aware of. If they are unresponsive, you can file a case with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai.