Is my landlord responsible for closet mold in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

The paint on the ceiling of our master bedroom closet has started to peel and there's a small patch of black mold forming in the corner. We’ve been in this Jumeirah Village Triangle apartment for almost a year, and it's gotten much worse since the humidity spiked last week. Is this something I need to fix myself, or is the building owner responsible for handling mold caused by the weather?
Posted by Juergen Rossi
Asked on March 19, 2026 9:49 am
Based on the UAE Civil Code and the standard tenancy contract (Ejari), a landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and addressing issues arising from inherent building defects or faulty infrastructure, such as leaking pipes or a failing AC system that cannot control humidity.

However, the responsibility for mold due to high ambient humidity, a prevalent issue in our climate, often falls into a grey area. The landlord must provide a habitable property with functioning climate control. If the mold is a direct result of a poorly maintained or undersized air conditioning unit that cannot effectively remove moisture from the air—a critical function in Dubai—then they are likely responsible for the remediation and repairing the root cause.

Your situation in JVT, with peeling paint and mold formation following a humidity spike, strongly suggests an underlying moisture control failure. This is not merely surface condensation; it indicates a chronic issue. The black mold is a significant health concern and requires professional assessment.

We strongly recommend you do not attempt to clean this yourself, as improper remediation can aerosolize spores and exacerbate the problem. Document the damage with photos and formally notify your landlord/property manager in writing via email, citing the Ejari contract. Request a professional inspection to determine the root cause (e.g., AC drain line blockage, insufficient unit capacity, lack of insulation).

For a definitive assessment and to ensure it's handled safely, our certified technicians can provide a comprehensive inspection report. This report is often crucial for dealing with landlords, as it professionally documents the cause and scope, clarifying liability.

Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an evaluation.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 21, 2026 11:56 am