Who is responsible for black mold removal costs?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. This includes issues arising from inherent building defects, such as persistent water leaks or seepage from external walls or roofs. Since the mold appeared after heavy rains in Al Quoz, the source is likely a hidden leak or inadequate waterproofing, which falls under the landlord's obligation to repair.

Your use of AC and a dehumidifier demonstrates reasonable tenant effort to control humidity, a common challenge here. Landlords often incorrectly blame tenants for "lifestyle" causes, but if the moisture source is structural, the responsibility for remediation is theirs. The first step is to formally notify the landlord in writing about the suspected leak and mold growth, citing its appearance post-rainfall.

For a case involving health symptoms and visible black mold, a professional inspection is critical. An independent assessment can identify the exact moisture source—whether it's an internal pipe, a roof leak, or condensation from an AC unit—which legally determines responsibility. If the inspector's report confirms the issue is due to a building fault, the landlord must cover the cost of both repairing the leak and the mold remediation. If the tenant is found responsible, such as for causing excessive moisture, they would bear the cost. Do not attempt to remove significant black mold yourself, as improper disturbance can spread harmful spores.