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

In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is primarily governed by the rental contract and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, known as the Dubai Rental Law. Generally, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and addressing issues arising from inherent building faults, such as leaking pipes in the walls, faulty external waterproofing, or defective AC ductwork that causes condensation. These are considered maintenance issues that fall under the landlord's purview.

However, tenant responsibilities include maintaining the property's hygiene and ensuring adequate ventilation. The extreme humidity in Dubai, especially during summer, combined with year-round AC use, creates significant condensation risks. Placing items directly against walls in a closet, as you described, severely restricts airflow and creates a micro-climate perfect for mold growth. If the mold is determined to be a direct result of tenant behavior (e.g., lack of ventilation, failure to use dehumidifiers, blocking AC vents), the cost of remediation may fall to you.

Given the visible patch behind your boxes, we strongly recommend a professional inspection. Our certified inspectors can conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine the moisture source—whether it's an internal condensation issue or an external leak—and provide a detailed report. This report is crucial evidence for discussing responsibility with your landlord. Attempting to remove it yourself with bleach is not advised, as it only addresses surface discoloration and not the root moisture problem, leading to rapid regrowth.

For a definitive diagnosis and a legally sound remediation report, please contact our experts at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.