Is landlord or tenant responsible for sofa wall mold?« Back to Previous Page

The black spots you've described behind your sofa are a classic case of mold growth, a common issue in Dubai due to our high humidity, especially during the summer months, coupled with year-round air conditioning that can cause significant condensation. This specific scenario is a tenant-landlord responsibility issue governed by UAE law.

Typically, the responsibility for remediation falls on the party responsible for the cause. If the mold is a result of a structural defect, such as a hidden water leak from a pipe in the wall, a faulty external seal, or inadequate insulation (a common issue allowing condensation to form on cold walls), this is the landlord's responsibility to rectify under the rental law. The tenant is generally responsible for damage caused by their own negligence, such as a failure to ventilate the property adequately or not using the AC to control humidity. However, the burden of proof for tenant negligence is on the landlord.

Given the location behind large furniture, this strongly suggests a lack of air circulation leading to a microclimate of trapped humidity, which is a contributing factor. However, a professional inspection is critical to determine the root cause. Our certified inspectors use moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras, and air quality tests to identify the source of the moisture—whether it's purely condensation or a more serious leak.

I strongly recommend you immediately contact your landlord, inform them of the issue, and request a professional mold inspection. Do not attempt to clean significant mold growth yourself, as improper remediation can aerosolize toxic spores and worsen the indoor air quality. For a definitive assessment and to ensure the health of your family, our team at Saniservice can provide a comprehensive inspection and detailed report to determine liability. Please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a visit.