Is black mold cleanup the tenant's or landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

The responsibility for black mold cleanup and repairs in Dubai typically depends on the source of the moisture. If the mold is a result of a structural issue, like a leaking pipe in the wall or a faulty external seal that allows water ingress, it is the landlord's responsibility to fix the underlying cause and the resulting damage.

However, as a tenant, you are responsible for maintaining the property through adequate ventilation to combat Dubai's high humidity, which frequently causes condensation and mold in enclosed spaces like behind furniture. The initial discovery and reporting to the landlord or property management company is your duty. You must formally notify them in writing with photos of the mold and the affected area.

Given its location behind a wardrobe, this suggests a classic case of condensation due to lack of air circulation against a cooler external wall, a very common issue here. For a small, surface-level patch, cleaning with a vinegar solution may suffice. However, with family health symptoms and a "bunch" of mold, a professional inspection is strongly advised to assess the extent within the wall cavity. The remediation cost itself is often a negotiated point; the landlord may cover it if the underlying cause is structural, but the tenant may be asked to contribute if the primary cause is determined to be lifestyle-related ventilation issues. Start with a written report to your landlord.