Is landlord responsible for black mold removal in Mirdif?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. This includes issues arising from inherent building defects like leaking pipes in the walls, faulty external waterproofing, or defective AC condensation drainage that lead to dampness and mold.

Your responsibility as a tenant typically covers mold caused by your own actions, such as failing to use the AC properly to control humidity or not reporting a minor leak in a timely manner. However, since the mold was found behind a large, fixed piece of furniture, it strongly suggests a pre-existing or structural moisture issue you couldn't reasonably have prevented or noticed sooner.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos of the mold and its location. They are obligated to investigate and address the source of the moisture. Simply cleaning the visible mold is ineffective if the underlying water intrusion isn't repaired; it will return.

Given that your children are experiencing respiratory symptoms, this is a health-related maintenance issue. For a situation of this scale, a professional inspection is warranted to identify the exact moisture source and extent of growth. Remediation often involves containing the area, removing contaminated materials like drywall, and HEPA vacuuming, not just surface wiping. In Dubai's humid climate, where AC systems run year-round, improper drying can quickly lead to recurrence.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Disputes Center (RDC) in Dubai, as this affects the habitability of the home.