Are tenants or landlords responsible for fixing black mold?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is generally responsible for the property's structural integrity and maintenance of the core building systems. A persistent mold issue caused by a structural leak, faulty waterproofing, or inadequate building ventilation is their legal obligation to fix.

However, tenant responsibility hinges on proving the cause. If the mold resulted from your own actions—like blocking AC vents, failing to ventilate properly, or not using the AC consistently to manage indoor humidity—you could be liable. Since you're in JVC, a known area for high humidity and condensation issues, the cause is often a combination of building envelope problems and climate. The fact that wiping it with vinegar only makes it return stronger indicates a deeper moisture source, like a hidden pipe leak or water seepage from the building envelope, which is almost certainly the landlord's responsibility.

Your first step is to formally notify the landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos. They should arrange for a professional inspection to identify the moisture source. Do not attempt a major remediation yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize spores and worsen the problem. A proper fix requires stopping the water intrusion first, then performing the mold removal. For a case this severe, with regrowth and odor, a professional assessment is critical to document the issue and ensure it is resolved safely.