Who is responsible for black mold, me or my landlord?« Back to Previous Page

Responsibility for black mold in a rental property like yours in Silicon Oasis is typically governed by your tenancy contract and Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007). The landlord is generally responsible for the property's structural integrity and addressing issues stemming from it. A damp wall behind a fixed wardrobe strongly suggests a hidden leak in the plumbing or a structural seepage problem, which falls under the landlord's obligation to repair.

You, as the tenant, are responsible for reporting the issue promptly and maintaining adequate ventilation to prevent condensation, a major mold catalyst in Dubai's humid climate. Since the wall is damp and the mold is spreading, document everything: take clear photographs, note the dates you first noticed it, and formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the suspected leak and related health concerns.

Given the visible growth and your children's respiratory symptoms, a professional inspection is strongly advised to identify the moisture source and assess the mold's extent. Remediation often involves fixing the leak, properly drying the structure, and removing the contaminated materials. For verification of successful cleanup, a post-remediation test from an independent lab is the definitive standard. If the landlord is unresponsive after formal notification, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai.