Is landlord responsible for mold cleanup from water damage?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the UAE Civil Code, specifically Federal Law No. 5 of 1985, the responsibility for structural repairs and fixing issues related to the building's envelope falls squarely on the landlord. This includes repairing leaks originating from the roof, external walls, or plumbing within the walls that occurred after the heavy rains—a classic example of water intrusion that is not the tenant's fault.

However, the tenant is typically responsible for reporting the issue in a timely manner and for any damage resulting from their own negligence or lack of maintenance, like failing to use the AC, which is crucial for humidity control in Dubai. Given that the black mold appeared after a significant weather event and is on an external wall, this strongly indicates a building defect. The water damage needs to be fixed at the source first; otherwise, any mold cleanup will be temporary.

Your children's coughing is a serious health indicator that this situation requires immediate professional attention. Black mold can cause significant respiratory issues. I strongly recommend you formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue and request a professional mold inspection and remediation. We can perform a comprehensive assessment to identify the exact moisture source, the extent of the contamination, and provide a detailed report for your landlord, outlining the necessary corrective actions.

For immediate advice and to schedule an inspection, please call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com. Do not attempt to remove significant mold growth yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize the spores and exacerbate the health risks.