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

Yes, the landlord is typically responsible for remedying the structural or maintenance issue that caused the mold, such as a hidden water leak or inadequate waterproofing. This is considered a breach of the landlord's obligation to provide a habitable property under UAE rental law, especially if the issue stems from the building's structure.

However, the responsibility can become blurred. If the mold resulted directly from tenant actions, like blocking AC vents or failing to ventilate a bathroom, you may be liable. In your case, the location behind a fixed wardrobe strongly suggests an underlying structural moisture problem, not tenant-caused condensation.

Given the recent high humidity, document everything immediately with clear, dated photos of the mold and any signs of moisture. Notify your landlord or building management in writing, as this is a health concern, especially for children. They are obligated to investigate and fix the source.

For a hidden leak, a professional inspection using moisture meters and thermal imaging is the only way to accurately locate the source. Simply wiping the visible mold away is ineffective and potentially hazardous if toxic species are present; the underlying cause must be addressed. Remediation involves fixing the leak, removing affected materials, and properly treating the area to prevent regrowth. In serious cases with health symptoms, a lab test to identify the mold species can clarify the risk level.