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

In Dubai, the responsibility for black mold in a rental unit depends on the source of the moisture. Landlords are generally responsible for fixing structural issues that cause water intrusion, such as leaking pipes, faulty window seals, or inadequate external waterproofing. This is considered a maintenance issue affecting the habitability of the property.

However, if the mold is a direct result of tenant behavior—like consistently turning off the AC, failing to ventilate bathrooms, or not reporting a minor leak promptly—the responsibility for cleaning may fall to you. The black mold on your window frame is likely caused by condensation from the extreme humidity interacting with the cold AC glass, a very common issue in older Deira buildings.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the mold and its suspected cause (window condensation). They are obligated to investigate and address any structural fault. Do not attempt a major cleanup yourself, as improper handling can disperse harmful spores. For a small patch, you can carefully clean it with a vinegar solution, but this only addresses the visible growth, not the underlying moisture problem.

Given that your children are coughing, a professional inspection is strongly recommended to identify the mold species and the full extent of the issue, as growth can often be hidden within walls. A certified inspector can provide a report detailing the cause, which is essential evidence if your landlord disputes responsibility. In many cases, resolving this requires the landlord to improve the window’s thermal break or seal to prevent condensation.