Is black mold in my rental the landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the UAE Civil Code, specifically Federal Law No. 5 of 1985, the responsibility for major maintenance and structural repairs falls upon the landlord. This includes issues arising from inherent building defects, such as faulty waterproofing, leaking central AC systems, or structural cracks that allow moisture ingress. The black mold you've discovered behind boxes in a perpetually damp closet is a strong indicator of a persistent moisture source that likely falls into this category. The constant humidity you describe, exacerbated by Dubai's high ambient humidity and the potential for condensation from AC systems, is a known catalyst for such growth.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photo evidence, and request a professional inspection. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize spores and worsen contamination. A certified mold inspection is crucial to identify the exact species (not all black mold is Stachybotrys, but all require professional assessment) and, most importantly, the root cause of the moisture. The landlord is typically responsible for remedying the cause.

For a comprehensive assessment that identifies both the contamination level and the source, I strongly recommend engaging a specialist. Our team at Saniservice is equipped with advanced tools like thermal imaging and moisture meters to diagnose hidden problems accurately. We provide a detailed report that can be used to clearly define landlord responsibilities. For immediate advice or to schedule an inspection, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.