Is landlord responsible for black mold on external wall?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai law (RERA), landlords are responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes fixing issues with the external building envelope. A mold patch on an outside-facing wall is typically the landlord's responsibility, as it often stems from a hidden water intrusion, a leaking pipe in the wall, or inadequate insulation causing condensation—all structural defects.

You should notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately, including clear photos. They are obligated to investigate and repair the source of the moisture. Simply cleaning the visible mold is ineffective and potentially hazardous if the root cause, like a seepage point from recent rains, is not addressed.

Given JVC's high humidity and that the mold appeared after a spike in dampness, condensation from your AC unit against a poorly insulated exterior wall is a common culprit. This is a known issue in many Dubai buildings.

For a patch that size and due to health concerns, recommend a professional inspection to identify the exact moisture source and mold type. A proper remediation plan involves isolating the area, removing contaminated materials like drywall, treating the cavity, and fixing the water issue before rebuilding. Your landlord should arrange and pay for this entire process. If they are unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center (RDC).