Is my Dubai landlord responsible for black mold repair?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law, your landlord is generally responsible for repairs related to the building's structure and maintenance of permanent fixtures, which includes the walls. Since the mold is growing on the wall itself and its spread is linked to recent humidity, this strongly suggests a structural moisture issue—like water seepage from outside or a leaking pipe within the wall—which is the landlord's obligation to fix.

You should formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best) immediately. Include clear photos showing the extent of the mold and its location. Mention that it has worsened with the seasonal humidity, as this helps establish it is a building envelope issue. They are required to address the source of the moisture intrusion. However, the responsibility for cleaning your personal belongings, like the wardrobe, and any contents cleaning would typically fall to you as the tenant.

For a case with visible spreading, a professional inspection is wise to identify the exact moisture source and type of mold. In Dubai's climate, where high humidity and constant AC use can create condensation issues, the root cause could be a breach in the building's waterproofing or an internal AC condensate drain leak. A proper remediation will involve fixing the leak, not just wiping the visible mold, to prevent rapid regrowth. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center (RDC).