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

Based on UAE rental law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is generally responsible for the structural integrity and maintenance of the property's major building systems. This includes the building envelope, plumbing, and the air conditioning system, which are the primary culprits for the dampness and condensation that lead to mold growth.

Your situation in Jumeirah Village Circle is a classic case of a hidden leak or severe condensation, likely exacerbated by Dubai's high humidity and the constant use of AC. The dampness behind the wardrobe suggests a potential leak from adjacent plumbing, a crack in the external wall allowing moisture ingress, or excessive condensation due to an improperly calibrated or malfunctioning AC unit causing temperature differentials. The landlord is obligated to investigate and rectify the source of this moisture intrusion.

However, as a tenant, you have a responsibility under the law to report such issues in a timely manner and to maintain adequate ventilation to prevent avoidable condensation. Your immediate action should be to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue, including photographs. Request a professional inspection to identify and fix the root cause. Simply cleaning the visible mold is a temporary fix; the moisture source must be addressed.

For a situation like this, I strongly recommend a professional assessment. Our certified inspectors at Saniservice can conduct a comprehensive investigation using moisture meters and thermal imaging to pinpoint the exact source of the water and assess the full extent of the mold contamination. This provides an objective, technical report that clearly outlines liability and the required remediation steps.

Do not delay. For a professional inspection and remediation quote, please call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com.