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

Based on the conditions you've described in your Jumeirah apartment, this is a classic case of condensation-related mold growth, exacerbated by Dubai's high humidity and the significant temperature differential between the air-conditioned interior and the warm, moist outdoor air, especially during periods of heavy dew. The corner of the ceiling is a typical trouble spot where thermal bridging can occur, leading to localized condensation.

Under UAE tenancy law, specifically Article 16 of Law No. 26 of 2007, the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity and addressing issues that affect its habitability. This includes remedying the root cause of the mold, which is likely an underlying maintenance issue such as inadequate insulation, a leaking pipe in the ceiling void, or faulty external waterproofing that allows moisture ingress. The landlord is obligated to rectify this source of moisture and the resultant damage to their property.

However, tenant responsibilities, as per Article 21, include proper ventilation and daily maintenance to prevent issues arising from their own use. While the structural cause is the landlord's duty, the actual mold remediation of surfaces may fall to you if it is determined the growth was due to a failure to adequately ventilate the highly humid air generated by activities like drying clothes indoors or not using the AC effectively to control humidity.

Given the spread and your son's allergies, a professional inspection is critical. We must identify the exact moisture source and species of mold to determine liability and the correct remediation protocol. DIY attempts can aggravate spore dispersal. I strongly recommend you contact our team at Saniservice for a comprehensive assessment. We can provide a detailed technical report for your landlord, outlining the cause and the necessary corrective actions, which is often required to expedite a resolution.

Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.