Is black mold in my Dubai apartment the landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing more than usual and I've just spotted a patch of black mold in the corner of our master bedroom closet where we keep our winter clothes. We've been in this Discovery Gardens apartment for about a year and it seems to have gotten worse since the humidity started rising. Is a mold inspection the landlord's responsibility to arrange and pay for, or is that on me as the tenant?
Posted by Margaret Johnson
Asked on March 24, 2026 7:49 am
Based on UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. 26 of 2007, the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and addressing issues that affect its habitability. This includes resolving problems like water leaks and moisture intrusion that lead to mold growth, as it is considered a failure of the building envelope.

However, the responsibility can shift to the tenant if the mold is proven to be a direct result of your actions, such as failing to use the AC to control humidity, not reporting a minor leak promptly, or creating excessive moisture (like drying clothes indoors without ventilation). Given Dubai's high humidity, proper use of air conditioning is a key tenant responsibility to prevent condensation.

In your case at Discovery Gardens, the location in a closet suggests a potential lack of ventilation or a hidden leak. You must formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue immediately, as this is a health concern, especially with children experiencing respiratory symptoms. Request that they arrange for a professional mold inspection. This is a crucial first step to identify the moisture source and the spore types present.

For a definitive assessment and a legal report that can be presented to your landlord, I strongly recommend a professional inspection. Our certified technicians can identify the mold species, pinpoint the exact moisture source, and provide a detailed remediation protocol. This report is often necessary to compel landlord action.

Don't delay, as this is a health risk. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 26, 2026 1:15 am