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

Under Dubai tenancy law, landlords are responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes addressing leaks and moisture penetration that lead to mold. You are responsible for general cleaning and ventilation. Since this is a spreading issue on the ceiling, likely from a leak or condensation within the building envelope, the repair obligation typically falls on your landlord.

Document the mold with clear photos and videos, noting its rapid spread. Send a formal written notification to your property manager or landlord, referencing the specific location and linking the children's coughing to the mold's appearance. Mentioning potential health concerns for tenants often accelerates a response. For persistent cases, a professional inspection can identify the exact moisture source—often a leaking pipe from the unit above, AC condensation drain issues, or poor external sealing—providing concrete evidence for your landlord.

If they are unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center (RDC). They typically side with tenants on health and safety issues stemming from property defects. In the interim, improve bathroom ventilation by running the exhaust fan longer and wiping down condensation. For extensive growth like yours, DIY cleaning is not a long-term solution and can aerosolize spores; professional remediation is needed to properly address the root cause and safely remove the biomass.