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

Based on UAE Law No. 26 of 2007 (Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai), the responsibility for maintenance falls on the property owner. This specifically includes structural repairs and fixing issues arising from inherent building defects, such as water seepage or faulty AC systems that lead to persistent dampness and subsequent mold growth.

Your situation—black, fuzzy mold on an exterior wall with constant dampness—strongly indicates a structural moisture intrusion problem. This is almost certainly the landlord's responsibility to rectify. The tenant's obligation is typically limited to minor maintenance and reporting issues in a timely manner, which you have done by noticing it now.

However, do not attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing extensive mold can aerosolize spores and contaminate your entire living space. The source of the moisture MUST be identified and repaired first; otherwise, the mold will simply return. This requires a professional inspection to determine the root cause, which could be a leaking pipe in the wall, capillary action from the foundation, or a breach in the building's external waterproofing.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue, detailing the location and including photographs. Request a professional mold inspection and subsequent remediation. If they are unresponsive, you may reference your rights under the tenancy law.

For a definitive assessment and to document the issue for your landlord, I highly recommend a certified inspection. Our teams use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact moisture source and assess the contamination level. This report is crucial for forcing negligent landlords to act.

Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection and get a formal report you can present to the property owner.