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

Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), structural issues allowing moisture ingress are typically the landlord's responsibility. A patch of black mold caused by water seeping through an external wall is a structural defect, not a result of tenant negligence like lack of ventilation. Your first step is to formally notify the landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos, and request immediate remediation of the leak and the mold.

Surface cleaning alone is insufficient and potentially hazardous if the mold is disturbed. The wall's internal structure likely has a larger, hidden colony if humidity is seeping through. The landlord should arrange for a professional inspection to identify the moisture source—often failing seals, cracks, or thermal bridging in our climate—and then perform the proper remediation, which includes fixing the leak, removing affected materials, and treating the area.

Keep your dehumidifier running, but be aware it only manages ambient humidity, not a constant water intrusion. For your safety during this process, avoid using the closet and consider sealing it off from the rest of the room with plastic sheeting to prevent spore dispersal until it is professionally addressed. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai.