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

My kids have been coughing for a couple of weeks, and I finally found black mold spreading on the back of our bedroom closet, which is on an interior wall. We're in an older building in Jumeirah and our landlord is saying it's our fault for not ventilating properly, but we run the AC constantly. Who is legally responsible for the inspection and remediation costs in Dubai, us or the landlord?
Posted by Mark Allen
Asked on April 5, 2026 4:18 am
In Dubai, the legal responsibility for mold remediation is primarily determined by the cause of the moisture intrusion, as outlined in standard tenancy contract obligations. Landlords are responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. This includes fixing issues like leaking pipes, cracks in the exterior walls, or faulty window seals that allow water ingress, which are common in older Jumeirah buildings due to their age and the harsh climate.

Tenants, however, are responsible for maintaining adequate ventilation to prevent condensation, which is a frequent cause of mold in Dubai. Despite running the AC constantly, this can often exacerbate the problem if the unit is not properly maintained or is the incorrect size for the space, leading to excessive humidity and cold spots that cause condensation on interior walls, especially behind furniture like closets.

Your situation, with mold on an interior closet wall, strongly suggests a condensation issue. However, a professional inspection is absolutely critical to determine the exact cause. Our certified mold inspectors use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to differentiate between a construction defect (landlord's responsibility) and a condensation problem (potentially tenant's responsibility).

We highly recommend you do not attempt remediation yourself, as disturbing black mold can exacerbate health issues like the coughing your children are experiencing. For a definitive assessment and to understand your legal standing, contact our team for a comprehensive inspection. We provide detailed reports that can be used to formally communicate with your landlord regarding liability.

For immediate assistance, please call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 8, 2026 3:57 am