Who is responsible for black mold under carpet in rental?« Back to Previous Page

The landlord is typically responsible for fixing structural or maintenance-related mold issues in Dubai rentals. Under Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended), landlords must maintain the property to a habitable standard, which includes addressing hidden defects like mold growth from pre-existing moisture or faulty building envelopes.

Your situation points to a common Dubai issue: condensation. Running AC 24/7 without periodic ventilation can create a pressure imbalance, trapping humid air and causing condensation under carpets or inside walls—especially in JVC's high-humidity microclimate. However, the root cause is often inadequate insulation or sealing, which is the landlord's responsibility to rectify.

For immediate action, document everything with photos and videos of the mold and the AC unit. Submit a formal written notice to your landlord via email or registered letter, requesting a professional mold inspection. This is critical; a certified inspector can identify the moisture source (e.g., condensation from AC drain line leaks, rising damp, or a poorly insulated slab). Their report will determine liability.

If the landlord refuses, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. They will often mandate an independent technical report to assign responsibility. Do not attempt to clean significant hidden mold yourself, as improper disturbance can spread spores. A proper remediation requires isolating the area, professional removal, and fixing the moisture source to prevent recurrence.