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

Based on Dubai rental law, specifically Law No. 26 of 2007 and its amendments, the responsibility for black mold remediation hinges on the root cause. The landlord is legally obligated to maintain the property's structural integrity. Therefore, if the mold is a result of a structural defect, such as a leak in the external wall, a faulty AC drain pipe within the wall, or rising damp due to inadequate waterproofing, the repair and remediation costs fall squarely on the landlord.

However, the tenant is responsible for maintaining the property in a hygienic condition through adequate ventilation and routine cleaning. If an inspection conclusively proves the mold growth is solely due to tenant negligence—such as completely blocking ventilation ducts, failing to use AC to control humidity, or creating excessive moisture without ventilation—the tenant may be liable.

Given Dubai's high humidity levels and the propensity for condensation, especially during summer, the cause is often a combination of factors. A professional inspection is critical to determine the exact origin. We use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to differentiate between a penetrating leak from outside and condensation forming on cold internal walls due to poor air circulation.

Do not attempt to clean a large patch yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize toxic spores. Your first step is to formally notify your landlord in writing about the issue and request a professional assessment. For an authoritative investigation and legally compliant remediation report that can be used with the Dubai Land Department if necessary, I recommend contacting our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive mold inspection.