Who is responsible for black mold repair cost, tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

This is a very common and serious issue we encounter in Dubai, particularly in areas like JVC where humidity can be a significant problem. Determining responsibility for mold remediation and repair costs hinges on the source of the moisture, as outlined in typical tenancy contracts and Dubai rental law.

Generally, the landlord is responsible for the structural integrity of the property. If the mold is a result of a pre-existing building defect—such as a leaking pipe inside the wall, faulty external waterproofing, or a construction flaw allowing water ingress from outside—then the landlord is unequivocally responsible for the cost of repairs, remediation, and any resultant damage. Tenants are responsible for damage caused by their own negligence or actions. This would include mold resulting from a failure to use the provided AC system adequately to control humidity, severe lack of ventilation, or damage to the property they caused and didn't report.

Given that the mold is behind a wardrobe, it strongly suggests a hidden, persistent moisture source, like a slow leak from an adjacent bathroom or a crack in the external wall. You must inform your landlord or property management company immediately in writing. Do not attempt to clean a large patch of black mold yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize harmful spores and spread the contamination.

A professional inspection is absolutely critical here. We use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact moisture source and assess the full extent of the contamination, which is often far greater than what's visible. This report is vital evidence to determine liability. For a definitive assessment and to protect your health, please call our certified team at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We can provide the documentation you and your landlord need to resolve this correctly.