Who is responsible for black mold in my rental?« Back to Previous Page

In the UAE, the responsibility for black mold in a rental property is primarily determined by the cause of the moisture. Given the high humidity and year-round AC use in Dubai, moisture accumulation is a common issue.

Your landlord is responsible for the structure and maintenance of the property, including the building envelope and the AC system, which is a primary source of humidity control. Since the mold appeared coincidentally with the AC servicing and was hidden behind stationary furniture, it strongly suggests a pre-existing issue. This could be due to a leak in the external wall, a faulty seal around a window, or, crucially, a problem with the AC system itself, such as blocked drain lines or insufficient insulation on the cold water pipes causing condensation. These are structural or mechanical failures that fall under the landlord's obligation to rectify under standard tenancy laws.

As a tenant, you are responsible for maintaining adequate ventilation, such as running exhaust fans and occasionally opening windows when weather permits, to reduce ambient humidity. However, the discovery of significant hidden mold typically indicates a systemic problem beyond simple tenant maintenance.

We strongly recommend you inform your landlord and the building management in writing immediately. For a definitive assessment of the cause and extent, a professional indoor environmental quality inspection is essential. At Saniservice, we specialize in identifying moisture sources, testing mold types, and providing certified remediation reports that can be used to clearly establish responsibility with your landlord. For immediate advice or to schedule an inspection, please call us at 800-66537 or email hello@saniservice.com.