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

In the UAE, the legal responsibility for black mold remediation in a rental property is typically addressed under Law No. (26) of 2007, known as the Dubai Rental Law, and its amendments. The general principle is that the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity and ensuring the property is habitable. This includes addressing issues arising from inherent building defects, such as faulty waterproofing, leaking central AC systems, or poor external wall insulation that leads to condensation—a primary catalyst for mold growth in Dubai's humid climate.

However, tenant responsibilities are also clearly defined. If the mold proliferation is a direct result of tenant negligence—such as failing to use the AC properly to control humidity, not reporting a minor leak in a timely manner, or poor ventilation leading to excessive moisture—the financial responsibility for remediation may fall to the tenant.

Given your description of a "huge patch" of mold concealed behind a wardrobe, this strongly suggests a persistent moisture source, likely from a plumbing leak within the wall or condensation from the AC system. This is a structural issue, placing initial responsibility on the landlord. Your husband's health symptoms (chronic stuffy nose and headaches) are consistent with mold exposure, underscoring the urgency.

We strongly recommend you immediately notify your landlord in writing and request a professional mold inspection. DIY assessments are insufficient as they miss hidden mold and the root moisture cause. A certified inspector, like our team at Saniservice, will conduct a comprehensive assessment including moisture mapping and air quality testing to identify the source and extent of contamination, providing a definitive report for the landlord.

For immediate professional consultation and to schedule an inspection, please call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.