Is landlord responsible for black mold from wall leak?« Back to Previous Page

The landlord is generally responsible for repairing the source of the leak and the resulting damage, including mold remediation. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are obligated to maintain the property's structure, including the integrity of walls and plumbing, which are considered major maintenance items.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos of the mold and the damp wall. This creates a necessary paper trail. The persistent dampness you describe strongly suggests a hidden plumbing leak or water seepage through the building envelope, a common issue in our climate where high exterior humidity can exploit minor cracks.

Do not attempt to remove the mold yourself. Disturbing a large patch can aerosolize spores and spread contamination. The leak must be identified and fixed first; otherwise, the mold will return. A professional inspection is crucial to diagnose the moisture source accurately—whether it's an internal pipe, condensation, or external water intrusion. For a case this advanced, remediation should be handled by experts to ensure it's done safely and thoroughly, preventing regrowth. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai.