Landlord or me responsible for bedroom ceiling mold?« Back to Previous Page

The responsibility for bedroom ceiling mold in a Dubai apartment like yours typically falls on the landlord if the issue is structural. The black mold above your window is a classic sign of water intrusion, likely from a leaking sealant or a thermal bridge causing condensation due to the high indoor-outdoor humidity differential.

Under UAE tenancy law, landlords are generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. This includes fixing leaks in the building envelope, roof, or external walls that lead to water damage and mold growth. Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos, and request they investigate and repair the source of the moisture.

You are responsible for addressing the mold growth itself if it was caused by your own negligence, like failing to use the AC to control humidity. However, given its location at a common weak point (a window-wall junction) and its correlation with recent humidity, the underlying cause is almost certainly structural.

Until the landlord arranges repairs, keep the area dry and the AC running to help manage humidity levels. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as disturbing significant black mold can spread spores. A professional inspection can document the source and extent for your landlord and confirm the species, as "black mold" can refer to many types with varying implications. The remediation process involves fixing the leak first, then safely removing the contaminated materials.