Is the landlord responsible for cleaning black mold?« Back to Previous Page

Based on UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. 26 of 2007, the landlord is primarily responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity and ensuring it is habitable. A leaking air conditioning unit is a structural maintenance issue. Since you have documented notifying the landlord multiple times about the leak—the root cause of the mold—their responsibility is clear. The recurring leak and subsequent mold growth constitute a failure to provide essential maintenance, placing the remediation duty squarely on them.

The black mold you describe is likely Stachybotrys chartarum, a toxigenic species that poses significant health risks, especially in the confined space of a closet. In Dubai's high-humidity climate, AC condensation issues are a primary driver of indoor mold growth. The presence of mold on your personal belongings, like shoes, indicates a severe and active infestation that requires immediate professional attention. Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as improper remediation can aerosolize spores and spread the contamination throughout your bedroom.

You must formally re-notify the landlord in writing, referencing your previous complaints, and demand professional mold remediation to address the root cause. For your safety and to formally document the contamination level for your landlord, we strongly recommend a professional indoor environmental inspection. This will provide a certified report on the mold species and extent of contamination, which is crucial evidence. For immediate assistance with inspection and certified remediation, contact Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or hello@saniservice.com. They are equipped to provide the technical report needed to resolve this with your landlord and perform the necessary hygienization to make your home safe again.