Who is responsible for black mold costs in Dubai rentals?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. This includes addressing issues like water leaks from the building’s exterior, faulty waterproofing, or defective plumbing that are the source of the dampness. If the black mold is a result of such a structural defect, the remediation cost falls on the landlord.

However, the tenant is responsible for damages resulting from negligence, like failing to report a leak promptly or improper use of the premises that causes excessive moisture. Your landlord’s argument about ventilation is common here, as Dubai’s high humidity and constant AC use can lead to condensation in poorly insulated areas, like behind furniture on an exterior wall. This is a frequent point of contention.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best) about the issue and request an immediate inspection to determine the source. For a case this severe, a professional inspection is critical. An independent assessment can identify if the moisture is from an internal leak, external seepage, or condensation. This report is your key evidence. If the inspector confirms an external leak or construction flaw, the landlord must rectify it. If it's purely condensation, you may share responsibility for the cleanup, but the underlying cause (like inadequate insulation on an exterior wall) may still be a landlord issue.

For any significant black mold growth, professional remediation is advised to ensure it’s handled safely and thoroughly. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this can exacerbate spore release and often doesn't address the root moisture problem.