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

In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is primarily determined by the cause of the moisture. Under standard tenancy contract terms, the landlord is obligated to provide a habitable property and maintain the structural integrity of the villa. The black mold you've discovered behind the sofa, coupled with the damp wall, strongly suggests a persistent moisture issue. This is likely due to a building envelope failure, such as a hidden water leak from plumbing or a crack in the wall, or inadequate external waterproofing—all of which are the landlord's responsibility to investigate and repair.

However, tenant responsibilities include maintaining adequate ventilation to prevent condensation, which is a major issue in Dubai's humid climate. If the mold growth was solely due to furniture being placed tightly against a cold wall (an exterior wall with air conditioning running behind it), creating a perfect microclimate for condensation, the tenant might share some liability. The fact that the wall itself is damp points to a more serious, structural cause.

Given the extensive growth and your husband's health symptoms, this is a serious case. Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize toxic spores. You must formally notify your landlord in writing immediately, requesting a professional mold inspection. This is crucial for documenting the issue. As per Dubai's climate, year-round AC use can hide humidity problems until significant damage occurs.

Our company, Saniservice, specializes in forensic moisture mapping and IAQ testing to identify the exact water source and extent of contamination. This evidence is often necessary to resolve tenant-landlord disputes. We then perform certified remediation. For immediate assistance, I recommend you call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive inspection.