Who is responsible for flood mold: tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

Based on UAE Civil Code and specifically Dubai Rental Law, the responsibility for structural repairs, including those arising from external forces like the historic flooding, falls squarely on the property owner (landlord). This includes water damage to walls, baseboards, and the underlying subfloor that has led to the mold growth in your closet.

The landlord's argument that this is your responsibility is incorrect. The exception would be if the damage was directly caused by your negligence, such as leaving a window open during the storm, which is highly unlikely given the scale of the event. Flood water is considered an "act of God" or force majeure, and the obligation to maintain the property's fundamental habitability remains with the owner. Persistent dampness and black mold (likely Stachybotrys) pose a significant health risk and violate the implied warranty of habitability.

You must formally notify the landlord in writing (email is best), referencing the previous communication and stating that the mold is expanding, and reiterate their legal obligation to rectify it. Give them a reasonable deadline to respond with a remediation plan.

However, for a case like this with active growth, I strongly recommend a professional inspection. We can document the extent of the damage, identify the moisture source (which may be hidden), and provide a certified report that definitively outlines the necessary remediation steps, which strengthens your position with the landlord. Delaying treatment allows the mold to spread into wall cavities, increasing the cost and complexity of the fix.

For immediate advice and to schedule an assessment, please call our experts at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com.