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

In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is typically defined by the tenancy contract and the overarching Civil Code (Federal Law No. 5 of 1985). The landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. This includes addressing issues arising from inherent building defects, such as leaking pipes within the walls, faulty external waterproofing, or inadequate insulation that leads to condensation—a common catalyst for mold growth in Dubai's humid climate, especially when year-round AC use creates significant temperature differentials.

As a tenant, you are responsible for maintaining the property in a clean and habitable condition. This includes ensuring adequate ventilation to prevent moisture buildup from daily activities. However, the mold you describe in your Jumeirah Village Circle apartment, specifically its location on an external wall and its correlation with a recent humid spell, strongly suggests an underlying moisture intrusion issue. This is likely beyond simple tenant maintenance and points to a potential structural or systemic fault.

Your first step should be to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, detailing the issue and including photographs. They are obligated to investigate and rectify the source of the moisture. Do not attempt to simply clean the visible mold yourself, as this is a symptom, not the cause. Disturbing it without proper containment can exacerbate spore dispersal.

For a definitive assessment of the moisture source and the extent of the contamination, we strongly recommend a professional mold inspection. Our certified technicians at Saniservice can conduct a comprehensive assessment, including moisture mapping and air quality testing, to provide an evidence-based report. This report is invaluable for determining liability and outlining the necessary scope of remediation work. For immediate consultation, please call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com.