Is black mold in apartment landlord's responsibility to fix?« Back to Previous Page

Black mold in an apartment is typically the landlord's responsibility to fix, as per standard Dubai tenancy contracts. The responsibility for structural repairs and addressing issues arising from building defects, such as leaks or faulty AC drainage, falls on the property owner.

Given the dampness in your Jumeirah ground-floor closet, a professional inspection is the critical first step. The humid Dubai climate and year-round AC use can cause condensation issues or exacerbate existing leaks. An inspection will identify the moisture source—whether it's an internal pipe leak, rising damp from the ground, or an AC condensate drain problem. This evidence is essential for formally notifying your landlord, as it separates the cause (their responsibility) from the symptom (the mold growth).

You should formally notify your landlord in writing about the issue and request a mold inspection and remediation. They are obligated to address the underlying cause. If they are unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. For your safety, avoid disturbing the mold and consider temporarily moving items out of the closet to prevent further contamination until it is resolved.