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

We've lived in our Jumeirah apartment for 2 years and just noticed a patch of black, fuzzy mold spreading from the corner of our bedroom ceiling. It started after the heavy humidity last month, and we can't seem to get rid of the damp smell. Is the landlord responsible for fixing this and the potential water leak causing it, or is cleaning it up on us as tenants?
Posted by Rohan Sharma
Asked on March 31, 2026 5:20 pm
In Dubai, the responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is typically governed by the rental contract and Law No. 26 of 2007, known as the Dubai Rental Law. The landlord is generally responsible for the structural integrity of the property, which includes addressing the root cause of the mold, such as a hidden water leak from a pipe in the ceiling or a building envelope issue. The tenant is usually responsible for issues arising from their own negligence or lifestyle, such as failing to use the AC, which is critical for controlling the high humidity levels in Dubai.

Your description of a patch spreading from the ceiling corner strongly indicates a persistent moisture source, likely a leak from an adjacent bathroom or a breach in the external wall. This is a structural issue, making it the landlord's legal obligation to repair the leak. However, the initial cleanup of the superficial mold growth may fall to you. It is crucial to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue immediately, as delaying repairs can lead to further damage for which you could be held liable.

Attempting to clean "black mold" yourself is not advised. Disturbing it can aerosolize harmful mycotoxins. A professional inspection from a company like Saniservice is essential to correctly identify the moisture source, assess the extent of contamination, and provide a legally valid report for your landlord. We use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to pinpoint leaks invisible to the naked eye.

For a definitive assessment and to ensure your family's health, we recommend you call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive inspection and moisture survey.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 3, 2026 12:06 pm