Is landlord responsible for black mold in Dubai apartment?« Back to Previous Page

In the UAE, specifically Dubai, landlord and tenant responsibilities for mold issues are primarily governed by the terms of your tenancy contract and Law No. 26 of 2007, known as the Dubai Rental Law. Generally, structural issues and problems with the building's envelope—such as a leaking roof, faulty external window seals, or a breach in the external wall that allows moisture ingress—are the legal responsibility of the landlord to rectify. This includes the subsequent mold remediation and repairs to the ceiling.

However, the recent heavy humidity you describe is a key factor. Dubai's climate, with its extreme humidity and year-round reliance on AC, creates a high risk for condensation. If the mold is determined to be a result of tenant lifestyle (e.g., inadequate use of air conditioning, failure to ventilate bathrooms, drying clothes indoors) which exacerbates condensation, the responsibility for cleanup could fall to you. The "constant damp feeling" suggests an underlying moisture problem that needs professional diagnosis.

My strong recommendation is to not attempt cleaning this yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize toxic spores. The first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue, detailing its location and severity. Simultaneously, you must engage a professional mold inspection company like Saniservice. Our certified experts will conduct a comprehensive assessment, including moisture mapping and air quality testing, to identify the precise source of the moisture—whether it's a structural leak or condensation—and provide a detailed report. This objective report is crucial evidence to determine liability and scope the necessary remediation, which involves containment, professional-grade antimicrobial application, and humidity control solutions.

For immediate advice and to schedule a definitive inspection, please call 800-MOLDS or 800-66537, or email hello@saniservice.com.