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

This is a very serious and unfortunately common situation here in Dubai, especially with our high humidity and reliance on AC systems. First and foremost, for your children's health, I strongly recommend you get them checked by a doctor and have a professional indoor air quality assessment done immediately. That black mold behind the sofa is likely releasing spores into the air your family is breathing.

Regarding responsibility, under UAE tenancy law, the general principle is that structural issues and the maintenance of major building systems like central air conditioning ducts and chillers are the responsibility of the building owner or management. However, the landlord is typically responsible for ensuring the property is habitable at the start of the tenancy. The grey area often lies in determining the source of the moisture.

Since you've identified a probable AC leak, this points to a maintenance issue with the building's HVAC infrastructure. Your first step is to formally notify both your landlord and the property management company in writing, with photos, about the discovery and your health concerns. They have a legal obligation to address the root cause. However, do not wait for them to argue over liability while your family's health is at risk.

The mold itself needs professional remediation. DIY cleaning is not advised for a large patch, as it can aerosolize the spores and make the problem worse. The remediation process involves containment, air scrubbing, safe removal, and post-clearance testing.

For immediate assistance with inspection and a professional remediation plan, please call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We can provide a detailed report that can also help clarify responsibility between the landlord and building management.