Is black mold in UAE an emergency for landlord?« Back to Previous Page

Black mold in a UAE property is typically not classified as an emergency requiring immediate, same-day action, but it is a serious maintenance issue your landlord is legally obligated to address promptly.

The UAE's high humidity, especially during summer months, creates ideal conditions for mold growth on cool exterior walls due to condensation. The patch in your closet is likely a result of this thermal bridging. While a small, isolated patch may not pose an immediate health threat to most, it indicates a persistent moisture issue that will continue to spread if the root cause isn't fixed. For individuals with asthma, allergies, or compromised immune systems, the risk of respiratory irritation is higher.

Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are responsible for addressing structural issues and problems affecting the habitability of the property, which includes moisture intrusion and mold resulting from it. Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing (email is best), including clear photographs. This creates a dated record of your request. They should arrange for a professional to not just clean the visible mold, but to identify and rectify the source of the moisture—this is the critical part.

You can manage it for a week or two by keeping the area dry. Wipe the spot with a diluted vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 4 parts water) and use a dehumidifier or your AC constantly set to a lower temperature (22-23°C) to reduce indoor humidity levels below 60%. Do not ignore it, as prolonged exposure and spreading can lead to more significant damage to the building materials and potential health effects. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Center (RDC). For extensive growth (covering over 1 square meter) or if you smell a persistent musty odor, insist on a professional inspection to assess the full scope.