Is landlord responsible for black mold from neighbor's leak?« Back to Previous Page

The landlord is typically responsible for structural repairs and issues caused by external leaks, as per standard Dubai tenancy contracts. Since this originated from your neighbor's AC leak, it's a building integrity and moisture intrusion problem, which falls under the landlord's obligation to maintain a habitable property.

Simply wiping the visible mold is ineffective—the moisture is likely trapped within the wall cavity, allowing it to regrow. The recurring nature and your husband's allergic reaction indicate a significant infestation that needs professional remediation. In Dubai's high humidity, mold can spread quickly behind walls even after the initial leak is fixed.

Formally notify your landlord in writing about the issue, mentioning its origin from the neighbor's leak and the health impact. Request a professional mold inspection to assess the full extent of the damage. Proper remediation involves identifying the moisture source, containing the area, removing contaminated materials like drywall or insulation, and HEPA vacuuming—not just surface cleaning.

For verification, a company with microbiology lab capabilities can confirm the mold type and spore count, which strengthens your case for proper repair. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can reference Dubai Municipality's public health and housing standards, which require landlords to address conditions that affect tenant health and safety.