Who is responsible for removing black mold from rental?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's from the black mold that's been spreading in the bedroom closet ever since the heavy rains in Al Quoz a few weeks ago. We’ve wiped it down with vinegar but it just comes back worse, and the landlord is saying it's our fault for not ventilating properly. Who is actually responsible for the proper removal of this mold, and what’s the best way to approach this with the landlord to get it fixed?
Posted by Bhavna Malhotra
Asked on March 15, 2026 4:35 am
Based on the UAE Civil Code (Federal Law No. 5 of 1985), specifically Articles 266 and 267, the landlord is fundamentally responsible for maintaining the property in a habitable condition. This includes addressing structural defects, such as water ingress from external walls or a compromised building envelope, which is a common cause of mold proliferation following heavy rains like those in Al Quoz. The recurring nature of the mold, despite your cleaning attempts, strongly indicates an underlying moisture issue that falls under the landlord's obligation to rectify.

The landlord's claim about improper ventilation is a common rebuttal. While tenant behavior can contribute, the extreme humidity and condensation inherent to Dubai's climate, coupled with year-round AC use creating thermal bridges, often overwhelm standard tenant ventilation practices. A persistent problem, especially after a weather event, points to a structural defect. The health symptoms you describe further underscore the urgency for professional remediation, as improper cleaning can aerosolize toxic spores, exacerbating respiratory issues.

For a definitive resolution, we strongly recommend a professional inspection and lab analysis. This provides an objective, scientific report that identifies the mold species and, crucially, pinpoints the exact moisture source. This report is your most powerful tool in formally communicating with the landlord, as it separates causation from conjecture.

Our team at Saniservice is equipped to conduct this comprehensive assessment and execute the necessary containment, removal, and hygienization protocols to ensure the environment is safe for your family. For immediate advice and to schedule an inspection, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Do not continue to attempt removal yourself, as this poses a health risk and allows the root cause to persist.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 16, 2026 11:52 pm