Who is responsible for fixing black mold in a Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the responsibility hinges on the cause of the mold. Landlords are obligated to maintain the structural integrity of the property. If the black mold is due to a pre-existing building issue like a hidden leak in the plumbing, faulty waterproofing, or inadequate ventilation systems, the repair and remediation cost falls to the landlord.

However, if the mold growth is a result of tenant behavior—such as failing to use the bathroom's exhaust fan during showers, not ventilating the room adequately, or neglecting to wipe down wet surfaces—then the tenant is responsible for the cleaning and any resulting damage. In humid Dubai climates, especially in bathrooms without windows, daily moisture management is a tenant's duty.

Given its spread along grout and the ceiling in JVC, this likely points to persistent high humidity and possible condensation within walls. Document the mold with photos and formally notify your landlord in writing. Request they investigate for underlying leaks. For extensive growth or health concerns, a professional inspection can identify the moisture source and species, which clarifies responsibility. Landlords often respond more promptly to reports backed by diagnostic data.