Who is responsible for black mold removal, landlord or me?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai, the responsibility for mold remediation typically falls on the landlord, as they are legally obligated to provide a habitable property free from structural defects that cause issues like persistent dampness. The damp wall you describe, especially in a high-rise in a humid area like Marina, strongly suggests a structural or waterproofing issue—such as a leaking pipe, seepage from an external wall, or a faulty AC condensation drain—which is the owner's responsibility to fix. Your responsibility as a tenant is generally limited to maintaining cleanliness and reporting the issue promptly, which you have effectively done by identifying it.

You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos of the black mold and the damp wall. Request a professional inspection to identify the moisture source. Simply cleaning the visible mold without addressing the underlying water intrusion is ineffective; it will return. In many Marina buildings, the constant AC use combined with high external humidity leads to condensation issues if the building envelope is compromised.

For a persistent cough in children, professional testing is advised to identify the mold species, as some types can exacerbate respiratory issues. A certified inspector can use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the water source and take samples for lab analysis to confirm the type and concentration. This documented evidence is also crucial for your communication with the landlord. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center (RDC), as a persistent mold problem caused by a structural defect is a valid reason to file a complaint.