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

In the UAE, particularly in Dubai, the responsibility for mold remediation is a common point of contention between tenants and landlords. The general principle under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007) is that the landlord is responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity and addressing issues that affect its habitability. This includes problems arising from inherent building defects, such as faulty waterproofing, leaking central AC systems, or structural cracks that allow moisture ingress.

However, the landlord's argument about ventilation is not entirely without merit. Dubai's high humidity climate, combined with year-round AC use, creates significant condensation risks. The tenant is responsible for maintaining adequate ventilation to prevent this ambient moisture from accumulating. If the mold is conclusively proven to be solely due to tenant negligence—such as completely blocking all ventilation sources and failing to use exhaust fans—liability could shift.

In your case, the location behind the wardrobe is highly indicative. This is a classic sign of a "cold bridge" or condensation point where the wall temperature differs from the room, often exacerbated by poor insulation—an inherent building issue. A landlord cannot reasonably expect a tenant to ventilate behind permanently fixed furniture. This strongly suggests a structural cause.

Given the health symptoms your children are exhibiting, this is a serious matter. Black mold (likely Stachybotrys chartarum) can produce mycotoxins. I strongly recommend a professional inspection to identify the precise moisture source and mold species. This empirical evidence is crucial for formally disputing the landlord's claim with the Dubai Land Department.

For immediate action, I advise you to contact our specialists at Saniservice. We can conduct a comprehensive indoor air quality assessment and moisture mapping to determine the root cause and provide a legally valid report. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize spores and exacerbate the health risk and property contamination.