Is black mold in my apartment the landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

The corner of the master bedroom closet in my Deira apartment has been getting this black, fuzzy mold for months, and it's definitely worse since the humidity kicked in. I wiped it down with vinegar but it just comes back. I'm worried it's spreading behind the walls. Am I responsible for cleaning this or is it my landlord's job to handle the remediation, especially since it might be an underlying dampness issue?
Posted by Gary Torres
Asked on April 4, 2026 3:47 pm
In the UAE, particularly in high-humidity coastal areas like Deira, the responsibility for mold remediation hinges on the source of the moisture. According to standard tenancy contract regulations (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity. If the black mold in your closet is due to a persistent underlying issue like a leaking pipe in the wall, faulty waterproofing, or a structural defect allowing moisture ingress, the remediation is unequivocally the landlord's obligation.

However, if the dampness is solely due to condensation from air conditioning units or lifestyle factors (e.g., drying clothes indoors), the tenant is typically responsible for the cleaning and controlling the indoor humidity. Your description of it worsening with humidity and returning after a superficial clean strongly suggests a deeper issue. The vinegar wipe is a temporary measure; it does not address the root moisture problem or kill the hyphae (roots) of the mold, which are likely penetrating the porous building materials.

Given the potential for hidden growth within the wall cavity—a serious health and structural risk—a professional inspection is critical. Our certified inspectors use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to accurately identify the concealed source of moisture without destructive investigation. This evidence is vital for formally engaging your landlord to fulfill their legal repair obligations.

For a definitive assessment and to prevent further spread, we strongly recommend you contact our team. Call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection and secure a detailed report for your landlord.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 6, 2026 9:48 pm