Who pays for black mold removal in a rental apartment?« Back to Previous Page

Under the Dubai Rental Law, the responsibility for mold removal depends on the cause. The landlord is responsible for fixing the underlying issue causing the mold, such as a leaking pipe, faulty waterproofing, or structural defects in the building envelope. The tenant is typically responsible for remediation if the mold is due to their own actions, like poor ventilation, failing to use the AC, or causing water damage.

Given your location in Jumeirah Village Circle and the recent high humidity, condensation is a likely culprit. The constant cooling against the warm, humid air creates moisture, especially behind large furniture like wardrobes that restrict airflow. Rearranging the furniture likely exposed a pre-existing problem that worsened due to the trapped, damp conditions.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photos. They should arrange an inspection to determine the source. If it's a building defect, they must fix it and cover the removal cost. If they claim it's tenant-caused, a professional inspection from a company with a microbiology lab can provide an evidence-based report on the moisture source, which is crucial for this discussion.

For any significant spread, professional remediation is advised to properly contain the area and prevent spores from dispersing. Do not attempt to bleach it yourself, as this can exacerbate the problem for many mold types.