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

Our master bedroom closet in our apartment in Jumeirah Lakes Towers has this really strong, damp smell. I finally pulled everything out and found a patch of black mold in the corner where the wall meets the ceiling, and it's been spreading over the last few weeks. We run the AC constantly, but the humidity is still a nightmare. Is the landlord responsible for fixing this and the damaged walls, or is this on me to handle?
Posted by Jaya Chauhan
Asked on April 3, 2026 11:54 pm
In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is typically defined by the tenancy contract and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, as amended. The general principle is that the landlord is responsible for the structural integrity and maintenance of the main building components, including walls, ceilings, and the AC system, which is often the source of condensation and humidity issues. The tenant is responsible for maintaining the interior hygiene and reporting issues in a timely manner.

Given your location in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, the constant AC use combined with the high ambient humidity creates a significant risk of condensation, especially in enclosed spaces like closets on exterior walls. The black mold you describe is a symptom of a persistent moisture problem, likely stemming from a leaking AC condensate drain line, inadequate insulation (a building envelope issue), or a breach in the exterior wall. This is a structural or mechanical fault, placing the responsibility squarely on the landlord to investigate and remediate the root cause, repair the damaged walls, and conduct professional mold removal.

You must formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately. Do not attempt to remove it yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize toxic spores. A professional inspection is critical to identify the exact moisture source and the mold species. We strongly recommend you contact our team at Saniservice for a comprehensive assessment. Our certified experts use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the origin of the problem and provide a detailed report, which can be used to formally request remediation from your landlord. 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 5:27 am