Who is responsible for black mold removal, tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the UAE Civil Code, specifically Law No. (5) of 1985, the responsibility for structural repairs and addressing issues inherent to the property itself falls upon the landlord. The mold growth you've described on an interior wall in Jumeirah Village Circle is a classic symptom of a underlying moisture issue, likely a hidden pipe leak or, more commonly in Dubai, condensation due to thermal bridging. The wall's constant cold from year-round AC meeting the external high humidity creates the perfect environment for mold. This is a building envelope or construction-related defect, not a result of tenant activities like inadequate ventilation.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photographs, and request a professional inspection. Do not attempt removal yourself, as disturbing the mold can aerosolize spores and exacerbate allergy issues and cross-contamination. The remediation process must identify and rectify the source of moisture first. This is not a simple surface cleaning; it requires specialized techniques like HEPA vacuuming, antimicrobial application, and potentially dry ice blasting to properly remediate the biohazard.

For a definitive assessment and to ensure the remediation is handled to international standards, I recommend you or your landlord contact a specialist like Saniservice. Our certified inspectors can conduct moisture mapping and air quality testing to pinpoint the exact cause and provide a legally sound report for the landlord. For immediate consultation, you can call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.