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

Based on UAE Civil Code and Dubai Rental Law, the responsibility for black mold remediation in a rental property is determined by the cause of the moisture.

The landlord is unequivocally responsible for the structural integrity of the property. This includes fixing the source of the water intrusion, such as a leaking pipe within the walls, faulty waterproofing, or a building envelope issue. Since you mention a probable hidden leak behind the wardrobe, the financial and repair obligation for addressing that leak and the resulting structural damage falls on the landlord.

The tenant's responsibility, as outlined in standard tenancy contracts, is to maintain the property through adequate ventilation to prevent condensation, which is a significant concern in Dubai's humid climate. While running the AC constantly helps dehumidify, it must be the correct type (e.g., not a dry mode that only cools) and the property must be periodically ventilated to allow stagnant, moist air to escape. If the mold is proven to be solely due to tenant negligence (e.g., generating excessive moisture without ventilation), the cost of cleaning could be the tenant's burden.

However, your case points to a hidden leak, which is a structural issue. The landlord's claim of improper ventilation is a common initial response. To resolve this, you must establish the root cause. This requires a professional, certified mold inspection. A detailed report from a company like Saniservice will use moisture meters, thermal imaging, and air/surface sampling to scientifically pinpoint the moisture source, legally distinguishing between a maintenance issue and tenant-caused condensation.

Do not attempt to clean extensive mold yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize toxins and spread contamination. For a definitive assessment and to legally support your case with the landlord, I strongly recommend you call professionals. Contact Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for an immediate inspection and detailed report.