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

In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is primarily dictated by the tenancy contract and the overarching provisions of Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai, commonly known as the 'Dubai Rental Law'.

Typically, the landlord is responsible for addressing the underlying cause of the mold if it stems from a structural or maintenance-related defect in the property. This includes issues like leaking pipes, faulty AC drainage systems, compromised building envelope allowing water ingress, or inadequate insulation leading to condensation. Given Dubai's high humidity levels, especially during the summer months, and the year-round reliance on AC, properties with poor ventilation or malfunctioning AC units are highly susceptible to condensation, which is a primary catalyst for black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) growth.

However, tenant responsibilities include maintaining the property through adequate ventilation, promptly reporting any issues like leaks, and not engaging in activities that generate excessive moisture. If the mold is a direct result of tenant negligence, such as failing to use the AC to control humidity or not reporting a minor leak that then escalated, the remediation cost may fall to the tenant.

Your situation in Jumeirah Village Triangle, with a spreading patch, strongly indicates a persistent moisture issue. The first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the problem, as this starts the legal clock for their response. We highly recommend you do not attempt remediation yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize toxic spores and exacerbate health risks and property damage.

A professional inspection is crucial to identify the exact moisture source and the extent of contamination. Our certified team at Saniservice uses thermal imaging, moisture meters, and air quality tests to provide a definitive report, which is often necessary to determine liability. For a thorough assessment and to resolve this issue correctly, please contact our specialists at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.