Landlord or tenant responsible for fixing black mold?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law, the landlord is generally responsible for addressing structural issues like water intrusion that lead to mold growth. Since the mold appeared after heavy rains and is recurring, the source is likely a hidden leak in the wall or a flaw in the building's waterproofing.

Your first step is to formally notify the landlord or property management company in writing, including photos of the persistent mold and a description of the health symptoms. They are obligated to investigate and repair the root cause, which is the water entry point. Simply wiping the mold is ineffective and potentially hazardous, as it can release more spores into the air and aggravate allergies.

The UAE's high humidity and constant AC use can cause condensation inside walls if there's a temperature differential, which will continue to feed the mold after a rain event. A proper fix requires a professional inspection to locate the moisture source, repair the leak, and then conduct mold remediation. This often involves removing affected drywall or plaster to treat the cavity.

For verifiable results, the remediation process should be validated by pre- and post-testing from an accredited microbiology lab. This provides concrete evidence that the allergen count has been returned to a safe level. Until the landlord arranges repairs, improve air circulation around the area and consider using a dehumidifier to help slow the spread.