Who is responsible for black mold cost, tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

Responsibility depends on the source of the moisture causing the mold. In Dubai's rental market, the landlord is typically responsible for fixing structural issues like leaking pipes in the wall, faulty external waterproofing, or a compromised building envelope that allows humid air infiltration. These are considered maintenance issues for the property owner.

As the tenant, you are generally responsible for damage caused by your own actions or negligence, such as failing to use the AC adequately to control humidity, not reporting a minor leak promptly, or placing furniture directly against an external wall in a way that prevents air circulation and promotes condensation—a very common issue in JVC apartments.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photos. They should arrange for a professional inspection to identify the moisture source. Do not simply clean the visible mold yourself, as the underlying problem will remain. The inspector’s report will determine liability for both the remediation work and any repairs to the wall.

Given Dubai’s high humidity and the mold’s location behind a wardrobe, condensation from the cold wall meeting warm, stagnant humid air is a likely culprit. For health safety, avoid disturbing the area until it's assessed, as agitation can release spores. A proper remediation involves containing the area, removing the affected materials, and treating the cause, not just the visible growth.