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

Based on Dubai's rental laws and the nature of the issue you've described, the responsibility for the black mold remediation almost certainly falls on the landlord. The primary reason for this is that the mold growth is a structural issue, stemming from a building defect that allows moisture intrusion. Your description of it spreading along the ceiling is a key indicator; this is not surface condensation from daily activities but likely a leak in the plumbing or AC drainage system within the ceiling void, or a failure in the building's waterproofing or external sealant.

Under the Dubai Rental Law, a landlord is legally obligated to provide a habitable property and is responsible for all major maintenance related to the structure of the building, including issues with water leakage, drainage, and the integrity of walls and ceilings. While tenants are responsible for minor maintenance and ensuring proper ventilation, a significant black mold infestation caused by a structural moisture source is not the tenant's fault. The recent humidity spike exacerbates the problem but is not the root cause.

For your family's health, this is a serious concern. The coughing is a common reaction to mold spores. We strongly recommend you cease using the closet and request a professional inspection immediately. DIY cleaning is ineffective and can aerosolize harmful spores. A certified inspector will use moisture meters and thermal imaging to locate the exact source of the water and perform air and surface sampling to identify the mold species and spore count.

Provide your landlord with a written notice, citing the health hazard and requesting immediate professional remediation. For a definitive assessment and to force the landlord's hand, you can engage a company like Saniservice. We provide detailed inspection reports that are legally recognized and can outline the exact cause and required remediation steps. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for an urgent consultation to protect your family's health and establish liability.