Is landlord responsible for black mold cleanup in Dubai rental?« 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 fixing issues with the building envelope, such as leaks in roofs or walls that lead to water intrusion and subsequent mold growth. If the black mold is a result of a structural defect like a hidden leak or insufficient insulation causing condensation within the walls, the cleanup and repair cost falls to the landlord.

However, the responsibility can shift to the tenant if the mold is proven to be caused by tenant negligence, such as a failure to report a water leak in a timely manner or a demonstrable lack of basic ventilation. Simply running the AC is not always sufficient; in Dubai's high humidity, spaces like closets need air circulation to prevent stagnant, moist air from settling. Your landlord's claim hinges on this argument.

Given the spread to a square foot and the health symptoms, this is a serious case requiring professional diagnosis. The root cause must be identified—whether it's an internal condensation issue or an external leak. Document the mold with photos and dates, and formally request in writing that the landlord address it. If they refuse, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai. For your children's health, an indoor environmental professional can conduct testing to identify the mold species and pinpoint the moisture source, which provides crucial evidence for any dispute.