Is landlord responsible for black mold on wall?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, landlords are generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of a property, which includes addressing issues like water leaks and the resulting mold. Since the mold appeared behind a wardrobe and worsened with seasonal humidity, it's highly likely caused by a pre-existing condensation or seepage issue, not tenant neglect.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos. They are obligated to investigate and repair the source of the moisture. Do not attempt to remove it yourself, as improper cleaning can aerosolize spores and spread the problem. A professional inspection is needed to identify the moisture source—often a leaking AC condensate drain pipe or external water seepage—which is the landlord's responsibility to fix.

For extensive growth, remediation by a certified company is advised to ensure it's handled safely. The landlord typically covers this cost if the root cause is a maintenance issue. As tenants, you are responsible for maintaining good ventilation to minimize humidity, like running your AC consistently, which is crucial in Dubai's climate to manage condensation. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a case with the Rental Dispute Center in Dubai.