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

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the last two weeks, and I've just discovered a huge patch of black mold behind our wardrobe in the master bedroom. We're in a pretty old building in Deira, and with the recent humidity, it seems to have exploded. Is this something I need to get my landlord to fix immediately, or am I responsible for cleaning it myself?
Posted by Ghada Abbas
Asked on March 29, 2026 3:21 am
Based on UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, your landlord is fundamentally responsible for providing a habitable property that is free from defects affecting health and safety. The presence of significant black mold, which is a known health hazard, constitutes such a defect. The landlord is obligated to address the underlying cause of the mold, which is almost certainly a building-related issue like a hidden water leak, faulty waterproofing, or inadequate ventilation.

However, it is critical to understand that in Dubai's high-humidity climate, daily activities can contribute to moisture buildup. While the landlord must fix structural defects, you as the tenant also have a responsibility to properly ventilate the apartment to mitigate condensation, especially with year-round AC use creating significant temperature differentials.

Given that your children are exhibiting respiratory symptoms and the mold is extensive, this is a serious health and structural issue. Do not attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing a large patch of black mold without proper containment and PPE will aerosolize the spores, drastically increasing the indoor air contamination and potential for severe health effects.

You must formally notify your landlord in writing of the issue and request immediate professional remediation. For a situation of this severity, we strongly recommend a professional inspection to identify the exact moisture source and species of mold. Our certified team at Saniservice can provide a comprehensive assessment and generate a report for your landlord, outlining the necessary corrective actions. For immediate assistance, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 1, 2026 12:30 am