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

Responsibility for black mold in a Dubai apartment is typically determined by the cause, as outlined in standard tenancy contracts and Dubai Land Department guidelines. The landlord is responsible for fixing the underlying issue causing the mold, such as a structural leak, faulty external waterproofing, or a defective AC unit. As a tenant, you are responsible for general upkeep, like regularly running the AC to manage humidity and ensuring proper ventilation.

Given the mold is on an external wall and worsened with humidity, it is highly suggestive of a leak or condensation issue from outside, which falls under the landlord's maintenance obligations. You should formally notify them in writing (email is best) with clear photos. Request that they address the source of the moisture, not just clean the visible mold.

Before contacting them, a professional inspection can be advantageous. An independent assessment can pinpoint the exact moisture source and confirm it's a structural issue, strengthening your request. In Dubai's climate, where high humidity and constant AC use can create condensation problems within walls, this is a common but serious concern. The landlord may agree to cover the inspection cost if it proves their responsibility, but you may need to request this. For any health symptoms or if the patch is larger than one square meter, an inspection is strongly recommended to identify the mold species and full extent.