Is landlord responsible for fixing black mold from leak?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. This includes fixing leaks in the external walls, roof, or plumbing that lead to moisture intrusion and mold growth. Since your mold is spreading from a corner on an external wall and worsened after heavy rain, this strongly indicates a leak that is the landlord's responsibility to repair.

You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue, including photos that show the mold's location and its connection to the external wall. Merely cleaning the visible mold with vinegar is a temporary fix; the underlying moisture source must be addressed, or it will continue to return. In Dubai's climate, where high humidity and constant AC use can create condensation issues, persistent moisture behind walls can lead to widespread mold.

For documentation and to ensure the repair is done correctly, a professional inspection is advisable. An inspection can identify the exact entry point of the water and assess the full extent of the mold growth, which is often more extensive inside the wall than what is visible on the surface. This documented evidence is crucial for holding the landlord accountable for proper remediation, which involves fixing the leak, removing affected materials, and ensuring the area is dried completely to prevent recurrence.