Black Mold Under Carpet: Landlord or Tenant Responsible?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai's climate, this is a common issue stemming from condensation. The primary responsibility hinges on the source of the moisture. If the leak is from the building's structure, a faulty pipe in the slab, or a compromised window seal, the financial responsibility for repairs and remediation typically falls on the landlord or building management.

However, if the moisture is from an internal source you introduced, like an overflowing pot or an unvented dryer, you may be liable. The continuous AC use can actually contribute by creating a significant temperature differential between the cool apartment and the hot concrete slab, leading to condensation forming on the underside of the carpet—this is a building physics issue, not tenant misuse.

Your first step is to immediately notify your landlord and building management in writing, with photos. They should dispatch a technician to identify the moisture source. For health reasons, avoid disturbing the mold. A professional inspection is critical to correctly diagnose the cause; a moisture meter reading and possibly a lab sample can definitively identify the mold type and confirm the moisture source.

Ultimately, the party responsible for the defect causing the water intrusion is responsible for the cost of fixing that defect and the resulting mold remediation. Tenants are generally only responsible if they directly caused the water damage through negligence. Refer to your tenancy contract, as it often outlines procedures for such maintenance issues.