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

The responsibility typically falls on the landlord, as they are obligated to provide a habitable property under Dubai rental law. This includes maintaining the structure and addressing issues like water intrusion that lead to mold. Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, including clear photos of the affected area.

The pattern you describe—spreading in a closet corner since the humidity rose—strongly suggests a hidden source of condensation or a minor leak, possibly from an AC condensation line or a seepage issue in the external wall. In Dubai's climate, this is a common trigger. The landlord is generally responsible for the investigation and repair of that underlying moisture source, as well as the subsequent mold remediation to ensure it is done correctly.

However, if the inspection determines the moisture source was caused by tenant negligence—like severely blocking ventilation or storing wet items—cost responsibility could shift. Given the mold is behind clothes, documenting that the closet was used normally is important.

For a case that is actively spreading, a professional inspection is advised to identify the exact moisture source. This provides an objective report for your landlord and confirms the root cause isn't a maintenance issue like a faulty drain pan or leaking pipe, which are unequivocally their responsibility to fix.