Who is responsible for black mold cleanup in rental home?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past two weeks and I've just discovered a patch of black mold behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom. We've been living in this JVC villa for three years, but it's gotten worse since the heavy rains in March. I've told the landlord, but he says it's our fault for not ventilating properly. Who is legally responsible for the inspection and cleanup of something like this, especially since it might be affecting our health?
Posted by Haruki Inoue
Asked on April 17, 2026 3:45 pm
Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes addressing issues like water infiltration and the resulting mold. Since the mold appeared after the heavy rains—an external structural event—the responsibility for remediation typically falls on them, not on you for "improper ventilation."

Document everything: take clear photos of the mold and any signs of water entry (stains, cracks). Send a formal written notice to the landlord, referencing the recent weather. If they refuse, you can file a case with the Dubai Rental Dispute Center (RDC). For immediate health concerns, a professional inspection with a detailed lab report can provide the evidence needed to show the mold's extent and type, which strengthens your legal position and helps address the health issue directly.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 17, 2026 8:24 pm