Who is responsible for treating black mold, landlord or me?« Back to Previous Page

The responsibility typically falls on the landlord to treat the black mold, as it is a building-related issue stemming from a persistent damp wall. Under Dubai rental law, landlords are responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes addressing moisture infiltration that leads to mold growth.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, including photos of the mold and the damp wall. This officially documents the issue. Given Dubai's high humidity and the constant use of AC, which can cause condensation if units are undersized or poorly maintained, such problems are common. The persistent dampness you've felt for a year strongly suggests a leak or insufficient waterproofing, which is the owner's duty to rectify.

They should arrange for a professional inspection to identify the moisture source—it could be a leaking pipe, seepage from the external wall, or condensation. The mold remediation itself must be handled by specialists to ensure it’s removed safely and the root cause is fixed to prevent recurrence. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. For your family's health, especially with children coughing, do not attempt to remove the large patch yourself, as disturbing it can release a high concentration of spores.