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

Based on my experience in mold inspection and remediation in Dubai, the responsibility for mold in a rental property is a common point of contention and is largely dictated by the reason for the mold growth.

The landlord is typically responsible for repairing the underlying cause of the moisture if it is due to a structural defect. In your case, the mold being on an exterior wall in Jumeirah is a significant red flag. This often points to a leaking pipe within the wall, a crack in the building envelope, or faulty external waterproofing and insulation—all of which are structural issues the landlord is obligated to address under Dubai rental law. The persistent high humidity and condensation issues common with Dubai's climate can exacerbate these defects.

However, tenant responsibilities include maintaining adequate ventilation to prevent condensation, which is a frequent issue when air conditioning is not used correctly or settings are too cold, creating extreme temperature differentials. If the mold is solely due to a lack of ventilation (e.g., furniture pressed directly against an exterior wall inhibiting airflow), the remediation cost could fall to you.

Given the description—a large patch, a damp smell, and location on an exterior wall—this is a serious case that requires professional diagnosis. A vague tenancy contract does not absolve the landlord of their legal responsibility to provide a habitable property. I strongly recommend you immediately request a professional mold inspection. We can identify the precise moisture source through thermal imaging and moisture meters, which is critical for determining liability.

Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize toxic spores. For a definitive assessment and to discuss your rights, contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection. We can provide a detailed report for your landlord to expedite the necessary repairs.