Is black mold testing and treatment covered by landlord?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai's rental law (RERA), landlords are responsible for maintaining the structural integrity and habitability of the property. This typically includes repairs to the building envelope, such as fixing leaks in external walls or roofs that lead to mold growth. If the black spots behind your wardrobe are caused by a pre-existing condensation issue or a leak from an external wall, the landlord is generally obligated to address the root cause.

Treatment for the mold itself can be more of a grey area. The landlord's responsibility is to fix the source of the moisture. The cleanup of the resulting mold may fall to the tenant, especially if the tenancy contract includes a clause about maintaining the interior condition. However, given that this is a potential health issue affecting your children, it is reasonable to immediately notify your landlord or property management company. Document the issue with clear photos and request that they send a professional to inspect and identify the moisture source.

For the fastest professional route, engage a certified mold inspection company that can perform on-site testing (like tape lifts) and send samples to an accredited local microbiology lab for species identification. This provides concrete evidence of the problem. A proper remediation company will then contain the area, remove the contaminated materials, and treat the space with EPA-registered antimicrobials, not just wipe it down. They should also use moisture meters to confirm the wall is dry after the leak is fixed to prevent recurrence. The combination of a lab report and a professional assessment will strengthen your case with the landlord regarding both the cause and the necessary remediation.