Is landlord responsible for black mold inspection in rental?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai, the responsibility for addressing black mold typically falls on the landlord, as they are obligated to provide a habitable property free from defects that affect health and safety. The presence of spreading mold, especially linked to inadequate AC performance or building envelope issues, is considered such a defect.

You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, including photos of the affected area in your JVC closet. The humid climate here, combined with potential condensation issues, creates an ideal environment for mold. A professional inspection is strongly recommended for a spreading patch, as it can identify the moisture source—whether it's a hidden leak, poor insulation, or insufficient AC drainage—and determine the extent of the problem behind walls or under flooring.

While the landlord is generally responsible for the remediation cost, the inspection might be a point of negotiation. For a tenant, the value of an independent inspection is the objective data it provides, which can be used to ensure the landlord's remediation plan is complete and effective. A proper inspection involves moisture mapping and often air or surface sampling to identify the mold species, which is crucial for assessing health risks and verifying that the cleanup was successful. Without this diagnostic step, a surface clean may miss the root cause, leading to rapid regrowth.