Who is responsible for black mold remediation costs, landlord or tenant?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law, the landlord is typically responsible for structural and maintenance issues that lead to mold, such as leaks, faulty insulation, or inadequate ventilation systems. Since your closet lacks any ventilation, this points to a building design or maintenance issue, not tenant negligence. The landlord's argument about improper ventilation is weak if the space was never designed to be ventilated in the first place.

The persistent high humidity in Dubai, combined with cool AC walls creating condensation, creates a perfect environment for mold in enclosed, unventilated spaces like that closet. This is a common issue here.

For a formal resolution, you should first report the issue in writing to your landlord or property management company, citing the health symptoms. If they refuse to act, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC) in Dubai. They will require evidence. Document the mold thoroughly with photos and dates. Given the potential health impact on children, a professional mold inspection report from a company with a microbiology lab can be crucial. This report can definitively identify the moisture source and species of mold, providing the concrete evidence needed to prove it is a building-related issue, not a lifestyle one. This shifts liability firmly to the landlord for the cost of both the inspection and the proper remediation.