Am I or my landlord responsible for black mold cleanup?« Back to Previous Page

Under UAE law, responsibility for black mold remediation hinges on the cause. The landlord is generally responsible for fixing structural issues leading to moisture, like leaking pipes, faulty waterproofing in the bathroom, or a compromised building envelope. As a tenant, you are responsible for issues stemming from your own actions, like inadequate ventilation or failing to report a leak in a timely manner.

Given the location—a closet sharing a wall with a bathroom—the most likely culprit is a hidden leak from plumbing or shower waterproofing failure, which is the landlord's responsibility to investigate and repair. Dubai’s high humidity exacerbates any existing moisture problem, allowing mold to spread quickly. You must report this to your landlord or property manager immediately in writing, as delaying can lead to further damage for which you could be held liable.

For a patch that is spreading, a professional inspection is strongly advised to identify the exact moisture source. Surface cleaning alone is ineffective if the hidden leak persists. A certified inspector can use moisture meters and thermal imaging to pinpoint the issue, providing a report you can give to the landlord. The cleanup itself should only begin after the source is fixed to prevent immediate regrowth. In many cases, this involves removing affected drywall or insulation, which is a job for remediation specialists to ensure it is done safely and completely.