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

In the UAE, the responsibility for treating black mold in a rental property like your JVC apartment is typically governed by the terms of your tenancy contract and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, also known as the 'Law Regulating Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai'. Under this law, the landlord is generally responsible for the property's structural integrity and major maintenance issues that are not caused by the tenant's misuse.

Black mold growth, especially of the nature you describe—creeping up the wall from behind a fixture—is often indicative of a hidden moisture source. This could be a leaking pipe within the wall, faulty waterproofing, or a breach in the building envelope. As these are structural or maintenance-related defects, the responsibility for investigation and remediation usually falls on the landlord. Your role as a tenant is to report the issue in writing to the landlord or property management company immediately, as delays can exacerbate the problem.

However, the high humidity and constant use of air conditioning in Dubai create a perfect environment for surface condensation, which can also lead to mold. If the mold is determined to be solely due to lifestyle factors (e.g., inadequate ventilation during showers) and not a structural defect, the responsibility for cleaning it may shift.

Given that your children are experiencing respiratory symptoms, this is a serious health concern that necessitates immediate professional attention. Do not attempt to remove significant mold growth yourself, as improper remediation can aerosolize spores and worsen the contamination. A certified mold inspection is crucial to identify the exact moisture source, assess the extent of the contamination (including inside the wall cavity), and provide a definitive report that clarifies responsibility.

For a professional inspection and remediation report to present to your landlord, I strongly recommend contacting our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Our team can accurately diagnose the cause and provide the necessary documentation to resolve the issue with your property manager.