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

Under Dubai rental law, the responsibility for mold remediation depends on identifying the source of the moisture. The landlord is legally obligated to maintain the structural integrity of the property. If the mold is a result of a structural issue, like a leaking pipe in the wall, a crack in the external facade, or faulty insulation causing condensation within the wall cavity, then the repair and cleanup costs fall on them.

However, if the moisture source is determined to be from tenant behavior, such as a lack of ventilation, drying clothes indoors, or failing to use the AC to control humidity, the tenant may be held responsible. Given Dubai's high humidity, especially during summer, and year-round reliance on AC, proper ventilation is a shared duty.

Your situation in a Jumeirah apartment, with mold appearing in a closet during humid weather, is common. Closets are often cold spots where condensation forms. The first step is to formally notify your landlord in writing with clear photographs. Do not attempt to simply paint over it. For a patch that is large or growing, a professional inspection is critical to identify the exact moisture source. An inspection can document whether the issue is a structural defect or environmental, which is essential evidence for any dispute. The Dubai Land Department is the final arbitrator for such tenant-landlord disagreements.