Who is responsible for mold removal in a rental?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in our Jumeirah apartment for 2 years and just noticed a large patch of black mold in the corner of our master bedroom closet, behind some storage boxes. It must have been growing slowly for a while, but it's definitely gotten worse since the humidity spiked a couple of months ago. We're worried about our health and the damage to our clothes, but we're not sure if this is something we have to fix ourselves or if the landlord is responsible for the remediation. Who is legally responsible for arranging and paying for professional mold removal in a rental, especially if it might be related to a possible underlying issue like a hidden leak?
Posted by Nasser Al-Sayed
Asked on March 13, 2026 1:04 am
In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is primarily governed by the rental contract and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, known as the 'Regulating Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai Law'.

Typically, the landlord is responsible for addressing and financing the repair of the underlying cause of the mold, such as a hidden water leak, structural defects, or faulty AC systems that lead to excessive condensation. These are considered issues related to the core integrity of the property. However, the tenant is generally responsible for mold resulting from their own negligence, such as failing to use the AC appropriately to control humidity, not ventilating areas like bathrooms properly, or, as in your case, placing storage boxes directly against a wall, which restricts airflow and creates a microclimate perfect for mold growth.

Given your description of a large patch behind storage in a Jumeirah apartment, this is a serious case. The recent humidity spike is a major factor, but the location suggests a potential lack of ventilation or a deeper issue. We strongly recommend a professional inspection to definitively identify the moisture source. DIY removal is risky as it often addresses only the visible growth, not the root cause, leading to rapid regrowth and potential health risks from spore dispersion.

Our certified team at Saniservice uses thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint hidden leaks and assess the full extent of contamination. We can provide a detailed report that is crucial for determining liability between you and your landlord. For immediate consultation and to schedule an inspection, please call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 14, 2026 8:08 pm