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

We've lived in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for two years and just noticed a patch of black mold in the corner of our bedroom closet, right on the wall. It seems to have gotten worse since the recent humidity spike. My landlord is saying it's our fault for not ventilating properly, but I’m worried it’s a deeper leak. Who is legally responsible for fixing this and the cost of remediation in Dubai?
Posted by Ryo Yamamoto
Asked on May 5, 2026 12:15 am
The responsibility for mold in a Dubai rental typically depends on the source of the moisture. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are responsible for fixing structural issues causing water leaks or seepage. Tenants are generally responsible for damage resulting from their own negligence, like failing to use the AC to control humidity.

In your case, the location in a closet corner and the recent worsening with humidity suggest two possibilities. It could be internal condensation from poor air circulation, exacerbated by our climate. However, its persistence could also indicate a hidden leak from a pipe in the wall or a flaw in the building envelope.

Start by formally notifying your landlord in writing with photos, requesting an investigation into the root cause. They have an obligation to address potential structural problems. For a definitive answer, a professional inspection is needed to identify the moisture source. This is critical, as simply wiping the mold away will not stop it from returning if the underlying water issue isn't resolved. The party responsible for the cause is responsible for the cost of the proper remediation.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 7, 2026 12:49 am