Is my landlord responsible for black mold removal?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing for the last couple of weeks and I've just found patches of black mold behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom. It's a ground-floor apartment in Jumeirah and feels more humid than the rest of the flat. Is this something I should handle myself with bleach, or is my landlord legally responsible for the inspection and proper removal?
Posted by Krzysztof Kowalczyk
Asked on March 23, 2026 7:17 pm
The presence of black mold, particularly Stachybotrys chartarum, behind furniture in a humid, ground-floor apartment in Jumeirah is a significant health and environmental concern. The persistent coughing in your children is a classic symptom of exposure to mycotoxins released by such molds, which can lead to severe respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and other health complications.

Under UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, landlords are legally obligated to provide a habitable and well-maintained property. This includes addressing structural or maintenance issues that lead to excessive moisture and mold growth, such as faulty waterproofing, leaking pipes, or inadequate ventilation. The high humidity and condensation common in Dubai, exacerbated by 24/7 AC usage creating thermal bridges, are well-known contributors to such problems. Your landlord is therefore responsible for the root cause investigation and the subsequent professional remediation, not just a superficial cleaning.

Attempting removal with bleach is highly inadvisable. It is ineffective on porous surfaces, fails to address the root moisture source, and can agitate the mold, releasing more harmful spores into the air you breathe. This poses a direct risk to your family.

A professional inspection is absolutely critical. Certified experts, like our teams at Saniservice, conduct a comprehensive assessment including moisture mapping and air quality testing to identify all contamination and the exact moisture source. We then execute a controlled remediation process following IICRC standards, containing the area and using specialized equipment like HEPA filtration to safely remove the hazard.

For your family's health and to ensure the legal responsibility is correctly assigned, I strongly recommend you contact your landlord and insist on a professional assessment. You can reach our certified specialists for immediate consultation and intervention at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 25, 2026 2:49 pm