Is black mold cleanup the landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Black mold cleanup in a Dubai rental property is typically the landlord's responsibility, as per standard tenancy contracts. The landlord is generally obligated to maintain the property's structure, including walls and built-in fixtures, and to address issues that make the unit uninhabitable. A mold infestation of this scale, likely stemming from a structural humidity or water leak issue, falls under that category.

Your situation in Jumeirah is a classic example of a condensation problem exacerbated by Dubai's high humidity and year-round AC use. When an AC unit doesn't drain properly or isn't powerful enough for the space, it can create a cold surface on walls, leading to condensation and mold growth behind furniture where air doesn't circulate.

Do not simply clean and repaint over it. This will only hide the problem temporarily. The moisture source must be identified and fixed first, which is the landlord's duty. Inform your landlord in writing immediately, with clear photos. They should send a technician to inspect and repair the AC drainage and address the wall.

For a patch this large, a professional inspection is wise to assess the extent and recommend the correct remediation protocol to prevent spores from spreading. The cleanup itself, once the moisture issue is fixed, may be negotiated, but the root cause repair is unequivocally the landlord's obligation.