Who is responsible for black mold removal in a Sharjah rental?« Back to Previous Page

Under UAE tenancy law, responsibility depends on the cause. Landlords are generally responsible for fixing structural defects that cause moisture intrusion, like leaking pipes, faulty waterproofing, or cracks in the external wall. Tenants are typically responsible for issues stemming from daily living habits, like not using the AC properly or failing to ventilate high-humidity areas like bathrooms.

Your situation in Sharjah is complicated by the climate. Constant AC use, if not set to a sufficiently low temperature, can actually cause condensation that feeds mold—this is a very common issue here. The landlord’s claim about ventilation, while possibly valid in some cases, often ignores the reality that opening windows during much of the year introduces extremely humid air, which is not a practical solution.

Given that the mold is black and widespread along the wall, a professional inspection is strongly advised to determine the exact moisture source. This is not just a surface cleaning issue; the root cause must be identified. An independent assessment from a company with a microbiology lab can provide documented evidence of whether the moisture is rising from the ground (a structural issue), condensing due to a thermal bridge in the wall (a construction issue), or from internal humidity (a tenant issue). This report is your strongest evidence for any discussion with the landlord.

Start by formally notifying your landlord in writing about the mold and its suspected impact on your children's health. Request a professional assessment. If the landlord refuses to address a structural cause, you may need to escalate the matter to the Sharjah Rental Dispute Settlement Committee, providing the inspection report as evidence. For your family's health, consider temporary measures like using a high-quality dehumidifier in the room until the issue is resolved.