Am I responsible for mold in my rental apartment?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. This includes addressing leaks in the building envelope, roof, or plumbing systems that lead to moisture intrusion and mold growth. As a tenant, you are responsible for reporting the issue promptly and for maintaining adequate ventilation to prevent condensation.

Given that the mold is on the ceiling and has spread since the humidity increased, this strongly suggests an underlying moisture source, such as a leak from the apartment above or a breach in the building's exterior. You should report this in writing to your landlord or property management company immediately. Provide clear photographs showing the location and extent of the growth. Delaying this report could potentially make you liable for any subsequent damage from neglect.

For a case of spreading black mold, a professional inspection is advised to identify the exact moisture source. In Dubai's climate, where high humidity and constant AC use can create significant condensation issues, the root cause must be fixed or the mold will return even after cleaning. The remediation process itself should be handled by specialists to ensure spores are properly contained and removed.

While you may coordinate the initial inspection, the cost of repairs for the building defect and the resulting professional mold remediation should ultimately be borne by the landlord, as it pertains to the property's structure. Keep records of all communications for your protection.