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

Based on the UAE Civil Code, specifically Federal Law No. 5 of 1985, the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity and ensuring it is habitable. This includes addressing issues that affect the health and safety of tenants, such as black mold caused by a building defect.

Your situation is a classic example of a landlord's responsibility. The mold growth along the bottom of the bedroom wall is a direct result of AC condensation, which is a maintenance issue related to the building's HVAC system or insulation. This is not due to your actions, like failing to ventilate properly, but rather a fault in the property's infrastructure. The landlord is obligated to rectify the source of the moisture and undertake the necessary remediation to restore the property to a safe condition.

Given that your children are already exhibiting respiratory symptoms like coughing, this is a serious health concern that requires immediate professional attention. DIY cleaning is insufficient and can aggravate the problem by dispersing harmful spores. The humid Dubai climate and year-round AC use create a perfect environment for such mold outbreaks if there is any underlying moisture issue.

You should formally notify your landlord in writing about the problem, citing the health risk and referencing their obligation under UAE law. Simultaneously, for your family's health, I strongly recommend a professional assessment. Our certified inspectors at Saniservice can conduct a thorough inspection to identify the exact moisture source, test the mold type, and provide a detailed remediation protocol that you can present to your landlord. For immediate assistance, please call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.