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

In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is primarily determined by the cause of the moisture, as outlined in standard tenancy contracts and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (Amended by Law No. 33 of 2008). The landlord is responsible for the structural integrity of the property. If the mold is a result of a structural defect, such as a hidden water leak from plumbing within the walls, a faulty AC drainage system, or inadequate waterproofing in the bathroom, the financial responsibility for investigation and remediation falls on the landlord.

However, as a tenant, you are responsible for maintaining the property and ensuring adequate ventilation. Given the location you described—a closet sharing a wall with a bathroom in Jumeirah Village Circle—the extremely high humidity levels common in Dubai are a significant factor. If the mold growth is determined to be due to lifestyle factors, such as failing to run the AC consistently to manage indoor humidity, drying wet clothes indoors, or not using bathroom exhaust fans, you could be held liable for the cost of cleaning.

In your specific case, the proximity to the bathroom strongly suggests a persistent humidity or condensation issue, potentially exacerbated if the AC unit is undersized or not dehumidifying properly. This requires a professional inspection to determine the exact moisture source. We strongly recommend you contact a certified mold inspector. They will conduct air and surface sampling to identify the mold type and use moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to pinpoint the water intrusion source, which is critical for assigning responsibility.

For a definitive assessment and a remediation plan that complies with Dubai Municipality guidelines, I advise you to call our specialists at Saniservice on 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We can provide a detailed report to present to your landlord, outlining the cause and the necessary corrective actions.