Am I responsible for black mold in my rental?« Back to Previous Page

Based on UAE rental law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the responsibility for structural repairs and issues arising from the building's fabric, such as leaks from external walls or faulty AC systems, falls upon the landlord. This includes the source of the moisture causing your mold problem. As a tenant, you are generally responsible for maintaining the property's cleanliness, but a mold outbreak stemming from a construction defect or water seepage is not your liability.

Given your description—the mold is on an exterior wall and has been exacerbated by the high humidity—this strongly indicates an external moisture source, likely a hidden leak or inadequate insulation, which is the landlord's obligation to rectify. Cleaning the visible mold yourself with a DIY solution is a significant risk. It only addresses the symptom, not the underlying cause, and the mold will almost certainly return. Furthermore, improper cleaning can aerosolize spores, worsening your allergy symptoms and spreading the contamination.

Your first step should be to formally report the issue in writing to both your landlord and the building management immediately. Do not attempt a significant cleanup before they can inspect it, as this could obscure the source. For your health and to properly document the issue for your landlord, I strongly recommend a professional indoor environmental inspection. We can identify the exact moisture source, assess the extent of the growth (even behind walls), and provide a certified report that outlines the necessary remediation steps, which you can then present to the property owner. This is the most effective way to protect your health and your tenancy rights.

For an immediate assessment, you can call our experts at 800-MOLDS or email us at hello@saniservice.com.