Is black mold cleanup the landlord's responsibility in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. This includes addressing the root cause of the mold, which is likely the damp wall and potential water ingress or inadequate waterproofing. The persistent humidity in Deira, combined with continuous AC use that can cause condensation, often reveals these underlying structural issues.

As the tenant, your responsibility is typically limited to reporting the defect in a timely manner and allowing reasonable access for inspection and repairs. Cleaning the visible mold and repainting is a surface-level fix; the core obligation to rectify the moisture source falls on the landlord.

You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, detailing the issue and including photos of the mold and damp wall. For health concerns like persistent coughing, a professional inspection to identify the mold type and moisture source is advisable to substantiate your claim. A certified inspector can provide a report that clearly distinguishes a structural defect from tenant-caused moisture, which is crucial for any dispute. If the landlord refuses to address the structural cause, you can file a case with the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre in Dubai.