Who handles black mold in my Dubai apartment: tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

The back of our bedroom closet in our Jumeirah Village Triangle apartment has developed a patch of black mold. I first spotted it a couple of weeks ago when I was putting away winter clothes, and it seems to be spreading along the wall. We run the AC constantly, but the room still feels damp. Who is responsible for handling this and the cost of remediation—me as the tenant or my landlord?
Posted by Eunbi Yoon
Asked on March 23, 2026 5:29 am
Based on UAE tenancy law and common practice in Dubai, the responsibility for addressing black mold in your apartment generally falls upon the landlord. The landlord is obligated to provide a habitable property that is free from structural defects and health hazards, which includes issues arising from inherent building problems like faulty waterproofing, leaking central AC systems, or inadequate ventilation that lead to dampness and mold growth.

The persistent dampness you describe in Jumeirah Village Triangle, despite constant AC use, is a classic symptom of such an underlying issue. The Dubai climate, with its high humidity and condensation, exacerbates these problems, especially in enclosed spaces like closets on exterior walls. Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, detailing the issue and including photographic evidence. They are typically responsible for arranging and covering the cost of the professional inspection and subsequent remediation to rectify the root cause.

As the tenant, your responsibility is limited to maintaining good ventilation, promptly reporting any issues, and not causing the moisture problem through your own actions (e.g., drying clothes indoors without ventilation). For a confirmed black mold infestation, a professional assessment is critical. Our certified inspectors at Saniservice can conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify the precise moisture source and type of mold, providing a definitive report for your landlord. We then perform complete remediation, including containment, hygienization, and resolving the moisture ingress.

For immediate professional assistance, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 25, 2026 5:08 am