Is urgent black mold removal a landlord's responsibility in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

Our master bathroom in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment has had this musty smell for weeks, and I just pulled back the vinyl flooring near the shower and found a patch of black mold about the size of my hand. It's been so humid lately with the weather change, and I’m worried it’s been spreading behind the walls. How urgently do I need to get a professional to handle this, and is this something my landlord is legally required to fix immediately?
Posted by Margaret King
Asked on April 28, 2026 9:05 am
Yes, this is a landlord's legal responsibility in Dubai. The rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007) requires landlords to maintain the property in a habitable condition, and a moisture issue leading to structural mold qualifies as a significant defect affecting health and safety.

Given the musty smell and visible growth, this is an urgent issue. The humidity in Dubai accelerates mold growth behind walls, especially in bathrooms with poor ventilation. You need to formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best) with clear photos, requesting immediate remediation. If they are unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai.

For a patch that size with a persistent odor, a professional inspection is strongly advised. Remediation involves more than just wiping the surface; the source of the moisture must be identified and fixed, which often requires removing sections of the wall or flooring. A proper assessment by a company with a microbiology lab can determine the species and the full extent of the infestation, which strengthens your case with the landlord and ensures the problem is resolved correctly.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 30, 2026 6:34 pm