Landlord responsible for black mold in Sharjah rental?« Back to Previous Page

Under UAE law, the landlord is typically responsible for resolving structural issues that cause mold, such as water leaks from the roof, faulty external walls, or broken pipes. Since your black mold appeared and worsened after heavy rains and is on the ceiling, this strongly suggests a leak or water ingress from the building envelope, which is the landlord's responsibility to repair.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos, and request immediate repairs to the source of the moisture. Mold remediation itself is a separate issue; while a tenant might clean a small patch from surface condensation, a large recurring patch like yours indicates an ongoing water problem. Cleaning it without fixing the leak is only a temporary solution.

For a case of this size and due to your toddler's allergies, a professional inspection is strongly advised. In Sharjah's climate, the combination of high humidity and air conditioning can cause significant condensation, but the pattern you describe points to a leak. An inspection can identify the exact moisture source and the type of mold present, which is crucial for determining the correct remediation method. The landlord's obligation is to provide a habitable property, and a significant mold outbreak caused by a structural defect generally falls under that requirement. If the landlord is unresponsive, you may need to escalate the matter to the Sharjah Municipality or the Rent Committee.