Who is responsible for mold in my rental apartment?« Back to Previous Page

My kids' bedroom closet in our Marina apartment has started to get these black speckles on the back wall, and their clothes have a damp smell no matter how often I wash them. It's been getting worse since the humidity really kicked in a couple of months ago. I’ve told my landlord, but he says it's our fault for not ventilating properly. Who is actually responsible for getting this cleaned and treated, us or the building management?
Posted by Jin Chen
Asked on April 3, 2026 6:09 pm
Based on the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the responsibility for resolving this issue is typically placed on the landlord. The law mandates that the property owner is responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity and ensuring it is habitable. Mold growth, especially of the persistent nature you're describing, is often a symptom of a underlying structural or maintenance issue, such as a hidden water leak from plumbing, a crack in the building envelope, or faulty external waterproofing that is allowing moisture ingress from the humid exterior air.

While tenants are responsible for general day-to-day upkeep and ventilation, the pattern you describe—localized growth on a wall and a persistent damp smell—strongly suggests a problem beyond simple condensation from inadequate ventilation. The high humidity and constant AC use in Dubai create perfect conditions for mold when any underlying moisture issue is present. Your landlord's assertion may be an attempt to avoid financial responsibility.

We strongly recommend you formally request a professional mold inspection in writing to your landlord. A certified inspector can identify the precise moisture source and type of mold, which is crucial for determining the root cause and the responsible party. Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as improper disturbance can spread spores and exacerbate the problem.

For a definitive assessment and remediation plan, you can contact our specialists at Saniservice. We provide comprehensive moisture mapping, air quality testing, and legally defensible reports. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 6, 2026 4:25 am