Who handles mold remediation in Dubai rentals?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for maintaining the property's structure and ensuring it is habitable, which includes addressing issues like persistent mold caused by building defects. You, as the tenant, are responsible for reporting the issue promptly and maintaining reasonable ventilation.

The black grout and damp smell in your Marina closet are classic signs of a condensation issue, very common here. Enclosed spaces with running AC create a temperature differential that causes moisture to condense on cooler surfaces, like walls and grout. This persistent dampness allows mold to thrive. The species must be identified by a professional inspection to assess risk, as "black mold" is a broad term covering both benign and problematic types.

Legally, your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photos. They are typically obligated to investigate and fix the source of the moisture intrusion, which is often a underlying leak or insufficient insulation. If the issue is deemed a maintenance fault, they should cover the remediation. If the mold growth is determined to be a result of tenant negligence, like completely blocking ventilation, those costs could fall to you.

Given the spread and the earthy smell, this is beyond a surface cleaning DIY fix. Proper remediation requires identifying the moisture source, which is often hidden. A professional assessment can document the cause and required scope of work, which is crucial for your communication with the landlord. For a case with visible spread and odor, engaging a company that provides before-and-after testing data is the only way to verify the issue is resolved.