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

This is an excellent and very common question here in Dubai. The recent humidity surge has been a nightmare for many properties.

In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation largely hinges on the source of the moisture. According to standard rental contract terms (Law No. 26 of 2007 and its amendments), the landlord is responsible for the structural integrity of the property. This includes fixing issues with the building envelope, such as leaks from external walls, roofing, or faulty central AC systems that are part of the building's infrastructure. If that hidden leak your husband suspects is from a cracked slab, a leaking pipe within the wall, or faulty external waterproofing, the landlord is unequivocally responsible for the repair and the subsequent mold remediation.

However, responsibility can shift to the tenant if the mold is proven to be caused by tenant behavior. This includes lack of ventilation (e.g., not using exhaust fans), drying clothes indoors, or failing to regularly run the AC to control humidity, which is essential in our climate. The tenant is typically responsible for general maintenance and ensuring the property is used in a way that prevents such issues.

Given that the mold is behind a wardrobe—a classic spot for condensation and hidden leaks—a professional inspection is absolutely critical. We need to identify the moisture source with tools like thermal imaging and moisture meters. Attempting to clean it without fixing the source is a temporary fix at best.

My strong recommendation is to formally notify your landlord/property management immediately with photos. Request a professional mold inspection to determine the cause. For an accurate assessment and legal documentation of the source, you can call our specialists at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Do not disturb the mold until the cause is identified, as this can release spores.