Who handles black mold removal, tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai, the responsibility typically falls on the landlord to address structural issues that lead to mold, such as leaking pipes, faulty waterproofing, or inadequate insulation that causes condensation. As the tenant, you are generally responsible for reporting the issue promptly and maintaining good ventilation to prevent it.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, including clear photos of the black mold and its location. Under the rental law, they are obligated to provide a habitable property, and health hazards like mold often qualify for a repair request. For a persistent issue worsened by high humidity, the root cause must be identified—often a hidden leak or thermal bridging in the wall.

Given the symptoms you describe and the musty smell permeating your clothes, this is a case for professional assessment. DIY cleaning with bleach often fails because it doesn't address the moisture source or remove embedded spores from porous materials like drywall and fabric. A proper inspection can identify the species and moisture source, which is crucial for effective remediation. In Dubai's climate, with year-round AC use creating constant condensation risks, the fix often requires sealing the envelope and improving ventilation.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. For your family's health, consider a professional mold inspection with air quality testing to document the problem; this provides concrete evidence for your landlord and confirms the spore levels in your bedroom.