Is black mold behind furniture landlord's responsibility in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, in nearly all cases, the landlord is legally responsible for fixing the underlying issue causing the black mold, such as a water leak or seepage from a structural defect. Your tenancy contract, governed by Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended), implies a warranty of habitability, meaning the landlord must maintain the property in a condition fit for human habitation. A hidden moisture issue leading to mold growth falls squarely under this obligation.

The first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos of the mold and the damp wall. Describe the health symptoms and request immediate remediation of the cause. They are responsible for the repair of the leak and the subsequent mold removal, as it is damage to the property itself. For your family's health, do not attempt to clean significant mold growth yourself, as disturbing it can release a high concentration of spores into the air.

Given the symptoms you describe and the confirmed dampness, a professional inspection is strongly advised to assess the full extent. In Dubai's climate, where high humidity and constant AC use can create condensation points, mold behind furniture is a common indicator of a larger moisture problem. A certified inspector can use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the source and take air/surface samples for lab analysis to identify the mold species. This documented report is powerful evidence for your landlord and crucial for ensuring the remediation protocol is correct. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai.