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

Based on the UAE Civil Code and standard tenancy contract provisions, the responsibility for black mold in a rental property is typically determined by the source of the moisture.

Structural issues like leaking pipes, faulty waterproofing, or a compromised building envelope that allows water ingress are unequivocally the landlord's responsibility to rectify. This includes repairing the leak and the resulting damage, such as mold growth.

However, the landlord's argument regarding ventilation is not without merit, especially in Dubai's climate. The extreme humidity, combined with year-round air conditioning, creates significant condensation if a property is not properly ventilated. Tenants are responsible for maintaining the property in a way that prevents damage from daily living, which includes managing indoor humidity through adequate use of exhaust fans and periodically airing out the premises. If the mold is solely due to a lack of ventilation and condensation from daily activities (like cooking, showering, or drying clothes indoors), the tenant may be liable for the remediation costs.

Given that you have visible, spreading mold and associated health symptoms in your children, a professional inspection is critical. An assessment by a certified mold inspector, like our team at Saniservice, can identify the precise moisture source through tools like thermal imaging and hygrometer readings. This technical report is essential evidence to determine liability. Do not attempt to clean significant mold growth yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize spores and exacerbate the health risk and contamination.

For an immediate professional assessment to protect your family's health and clarify responsibility, I strongly recommend you call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.