Is landlord responsible for black mold in JVC apartment?« Back to Previous Page

Good question, and a very common issue here in JVC, especially with the recent humidity spike.

In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation largely hinges on the cause, as outlined in Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007). If the mold is a result of a structural issue with the building itself—such as a hidden water leak from a pipe in the wall, faulty waterproofing, or a crack in the exterior facade allowing moisture ingress—then the landlord is unequivocally responsible for the repairs and subsequent remediation. This includes fixing the source of the water and the mold removal.

However, if the cause is determined to be tenant-related, such as inadequate ventilation (e.g., not using the AC consistently to control humidity), drying clothes indoors, or obstructing airflow with furniture like your wardrobe, the financial responsibility can fall on you. The location on an exterior wall is a significant red flag that often points to a building envelope issue.

Given you have a toddler with allergy concerns, I cannot stress this enough: do not attempt to remove this yourself. Disturbing black mold without proper containment can aerosolize the spores and worsen indoor air quality dramatically. This requires professional assessment.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord/property manager in writing with photos, requesting a professional mold inspection to determine the root cause. We use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint hidden leaks. If they are unresponsive, you can reference your right to a habitable property.

For a definitive answer and to protect your family's health, get a professional evaluation. We can provide a detailed report outlining the cause, which is crucial for any dispute with the landlord.

Call our specialists at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for an inspection.