Is black mold removal my landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Based on Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007) and the standard Tenancy Contract, the landlord is unequivocally responsible for addressing structural and maintenance issues that lead to mold growth. This includes repairing the underlying cause, such as water ingress from a leaking pipe, a crack in the building envelope, or faulty external waterproofing that allowed moisture to penetrate the wall. The landlord's obligation is to provide a habitable property, and persistent mold caused by a structural defect falls under this purview.

However, the tenant is responsible for maintaining the property's interior cleanliness and ensuring adequate ventilation to prevent condensation, which is a major catalyst for mold in Dubai's humid climate. If the mold is determined to be solely due to tenant negligence—such as failing to use the AC to control humidity, blocking ventilation ducts, or creating excessive moisture without proper exhaust—the remediation cost may fall to you.

Crucially, black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) is a serious health hazard, especially for children, and is not something to clean superficially with bleach. This only addresses the visible growth, not the root moisture problem or the hidden mycotoxins. The spreading behind the wardrobe indicates a significant moisture issue within the wall cavity.

You must formally notify your landlord in writing of the issue and request immediate professional inspection and remediation. For a definitive assessment and legally compliant remediation report that outlines the cause and necessary repairs, I strongly recommend a professional inspection. Our certified team at Saniservice can identify the moisture source, test the mold type, and provide a detailed report for your landlord, ensuring the problem is resolved correctly and permanently. Please call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for an urgent assessment. Your family's health is the priority.