Landlord or tenant responsible for mold in Dubai apartment?« Back to Previous Page

This is an excellent and very common question here in Dubai. From your description, the presence of visible black mould on an exterior wall and systemic dampness strongly suggests a building envelope issue, likely a leaking pipe within the wall, faulty external waterproofing, or a significant thermal bridge causing condensation.

Under UAE law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai (as amended), the landlord is fundamentally responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity. This includes the building's external walls, central AC systems, and all fixes related to water leakage and infiltration that are not caused by the tenant's misuse. Since the mould is forming on an exterior wall, this is almost certainly not due to your internal activities (like steam from cooking) and points to a structural defect.

Your responsibility as a tenant is typically limited to general upkeep and cleanliness. However, attempting to clean the visible mould yourself is not advisable. Disturbing it can aerosolize toxic spores, worsening your sinusitis and sore throats, and it does nothing to address the hidden moisture source, guaranteeing rapid regrowth.

Your immediate action should be to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue, including the photos of the mould and dampness. They are obligated to investigate and remedy the source of the moisture. For a proper resolution, this will require a professional inspection to diagnose the exact cause—whether it's a leak, condensation, or both. We use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the problem without destructive investigation first.

For a thorough assessment and a remediation quote to provide to your landlord, I highly recommend you call our specialists. We can document the issue professionally to support your case with the landlord.

Call 800-MOLDS or 800-66537 or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection. Don't let those symptoms persist; it's a clear sign of a compromised indoor environment.