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

Based on Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, which regulates the relationship between landlords and tenants, the landlord is fundamentally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. This includes the building's envelope, plumbing, and the proper functioning of central AC systems. If the mold in your Jumeirah Village Triangle closet is a direct result of a structural issue, like a hidden water leak from a pipe in the wall, a faulty AC unit causing excess humidity, or inadequate ventilation due to the building's design, then the remediation cost absolutely falls on the landlord.

However, the law also outlines tenant responsibilities, which include maintaining the property's hygiene and ensuring adequate ventilation. If the mold growth is determined to be a result of tenant actions—such as failing to use the AC properly, drying clothes indoors, or not reporting a minor leak promptly—you could be held liable for the cleanup costs. The constant AC use you mention is good, but it must be set to a sufficiently low humidity level (ideally below 60%) and the closet should not be crammed full, allowing for air circulation.

Given the strong smell and visible fuzzy black growth, this is beyond a simple wipe-down. DIY cleaning with bleach is ineffective and can exacerbate the problem by releasing spores. The root cause must be identified by a professional inspection. We use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the moisture source definitively, which is crucial for determining responsibility.

For a definitive assessment and to protect your interests, I strongly recommend a certified mold inspection. We can provide a detailed report outlining the cause, which is essential for any discussion with your landlord. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.