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

In Dubai, the responsibility for mold remediation depends on the source of the moisture. Under standard tenancy contracts (EJARI), landlords are responsible for fixing structural issues that cause water intrusion, such as leaking pipes, faulty AC drain lines, or cracks in the building envelope that lead to condensation. Tenants are generally responsible for issues stemming from daily living, like inadequate ventilation leading to humidity buildup.

Your landlord’s claim about ventilation has some merit, as daily activities contribute to indoor humidity. However, the persistent growth in a closet corner often points to an underlying structural or maintenance issue, such as a hidden leak or insufficient insulation causing a cold spot where condensation forms. This is especially common in Dubai’s climate, where high external humidity meets year-round air conditioning, creating perfect conditions for mold if a building’s envelope is compromised.

For a definitive answer, a professional inspection is required to identify the moisture source. If the inspection reveals a structural fault, the landlord is legally obligated to address it and the resulting mold. If the cause is solely tenant-related (e.g., completely blocked ventilation), the responsibility may fall to you.

Given that your children are experiencing respiratory symptoms, do not attempt to clean significant black mold yourself. Disturbing it can release more spores. Document the mold with photos and dates of your communication with the landlord. A certified mold assessment from a company with a microbiology lab can provide an official report identifying the species and moisture source, which is the most powerful evidence for resolving the dispute with your landlord.