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

Based on UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the responsibility for structural repairs and maintenance of the property, including issues arising from the building's fabric, falls squarely on the landlord. The mold spreading from your bedroom ceiling corner is a classic symptom of a leak or a significant cold bridge in the building's structure, which is not your fault as a tenant.

However, the landlord's responsibility is contingent on you, the tenant, properly maintaining the internal environment. Running the AC constantly is a good start, but in Dubai's extreme humidity, it's critical to ensure the unit is set to a sufficiently low temperature (we recommend 22-23°C) to effectively remove moisture from the air. The damp clothes in the closet suggest the AC might not be dehumidifying adequately, or there's a severe underlying issue. You must also use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to expel humid air.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue immediately, as delays can exacerbate the problem. They are obligated to address the root cause (e.g., fixing the leak, insulating the cold bridge). For the actual remediation of the mold growth, this is a specialized process that involves containment, air scrubbing, and antimicrobial treatment to safely remove the spores. This should be handled by a professional company.

Given the spread you've described, we strongly advise a professional inspection to assess the full extent and identify the precise moisture source. We can provide a comprehensive assessment and a detailed report for your landlord.

For immediate assistance, you can call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.