who is responsible for black mold repair cost in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed a patch of black, fuzzy mold spreading along the wall behind our bedroom wardrobe. It's been incredibly humid lately and I'm worried it's from a hidden leak or poor ventilation. Who is responsible for dealing with this and the cost of repairs – me as the tenant or my landlord here in Dubai?
Posted by Ryan White
Asked on April 23, 2026 5:00 pm
Responsibility depends on whether the black mold is due to a structural issue or tenant lifestyle. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are responsible for repairing defects in the building's structure, including hidden leaks in walls or faulty AC drainage systems that cause moisture. Tenants are responsible for damage resulting from their own actions or negligence, such as failing to use AC/dehumidifiers adequately in our humid climate, which leads to condensation.

Your first step is to notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately, with clear photos. They should arrange for a professional inspection to identify the moisture source. This is critical—simply cleaning the visible mold is ineffective if the underlying water issue isn't fixed. The inspector will determine if the cause is a building defect (landlord's responsibility) or excessive indoor humidity from poor ventilation (a shared discussion).

For extensive growth behind a wardrobe, a professional assessment is strongly recommended to rule out a serious hidden leak. Remediation often involves removing affected drywall or furniture and addressing the moisture source. The cost responsibility for repairs follows the cause: landlords cover structural repairs, while tenants typically cover contents cleaning or repainting if the cause was preventable humidity. Always request a detailed moisture assessment report to clarify liability.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 25, 2026 1:11 pm