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

Based on UAE rental law, specifically Law No. 26 of 2007, the responsibility for treating the black mold you've discovered falls squarely on the landlord. The law mandates that the property owner is responsible for all major maintenance and structural repairs that affect the habitability and safety of the unit.

A persistent mold issue stemming from a hidden leak or inadequate waterproofing, as is common behind wardrobes on exterior walls in JVT, is considered a structural or maintenance defect. The landlord is obligated to address the root cause, such as fixing any leaking pipes, sealing cracks, or remedying faulty AC drainage that is creating the moisture problem. The musty smell you mention is a classic indicator of a significant, ongoing moisture issue that they must rectify.

However, your immediate action is crucial. Do not attempt to clean significant mold growth yourself, especially with kids experiencing respiratory issues. Disturbing it releases spores and mycotoxins into the air, potentially worsening their cough. The landlord's handyman is not a solution; this requires a professional mold inspection to identify the exact species (some black molds are more hazardous than others) and the full extent of the contamination, which is likely not just visible on the surface.

We strongly recommend you formally notify your landlord in writing immediately, detailing the issue and your children's health concerns. Simultaneously, for a proper assessment and to ensure the remediation is done to international standards, you should engage a certified professional. We can perform a comprehensive inspection with moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to find all hidden mold and provide a detailed report for your landlord.

For immediate assistance with testing and to get a professional report, call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com.