Who is responsible for black mold on rental property wall??« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai, responsibility for mold remediation depends on the source of the moisture. Mold on an exterior wall strongly suggests a structural issue, such as water infiltration from a leaking pipe within the wall, a crack in the building envelope, or faulty external waterproofing. These are almost always the landlord's responsibility to repair under standard Ejari tenancy contracts, which obligate them to maintain the property's structure.

While landlords may claim insufficient ventilation caused it, Dubai's climate means AC use is constant and often creates significant condensation if units are not properly maintained or if the property has inherent humidity control issues. Merely running the AC is not adequate proof of tenant negligence.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best) with clear photographs, requesting a professional inspection to identify the moisture source. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as disturbing it can spread spores. A proper inspection, often involving moisture meters and thermal imaging, can pinpoint the cause. If the landlord refuses to act, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. They will typically require an expert report to determine liability, so engaging a certified inspector to document the root cause is your strongest evidence.