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

Based on the UAE Civil Code and the specific tenancy laws in Dubai, the responsibility for maintenance and repairs of the structural elements of a property, including issues arising from inherent building defects, falls squarely on the landlord. The black mold you've discovered behind the wardrobe in your Discovery Gardens apartment is a classic symptom of a more significant issue, likely related to condensation from year-round AC use or a potential hidden water leak within the wall. This is not considered normal wear and tear.

The recent spike in humidity has exacerbated the problem, as Dubai's climate creates a perfect environment for mold proliferation when moisture is present. Given that the mold is spreading and has potentially caused health symptoms like your children's coughing, this constitutes a habitability issue. You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately, detailing the issue and requesting a professional mold inspection. They are legally obligated to address this to ensure the property is safe and habitable.

We strongly advise against handling this yourself. Disturbing the mold without proper containment can aerosolize the spores, significantly worsening indoor air quality and potential health effects. A certified professional inspection is critical to identify the precise moisture source, assess the extent of contamination (including inside the wall cavity), and prescribe the correct remediation protocol.

For a comprehensive inspection that includes moisture mapping and air quality testing to provide a legally sound report for your landlord, we recommend contacting our team at Saniservice. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an assessment.