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

We've lived in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for 2 years and just noticed a bunch of black, fuzzy spots spreading along the corner of the bedroom wall where our wardrobe is. It’s gotten a lot worse since the humidity spiked last month. Is this something I need to handle myself or is my landlord responsible for fixing the cause and cleaning it?
Posted by Nasser Al-Nasser
Asked on March 17, 2026 9:16 pm
Based on my professional experience with mold inspection in Dubai, the responsibility for mold remediation in your JVC apartment is typically determined by the root cause.

Under UAE tenancy law, the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. This includes addressing issues related to inherent building defects, such as leaking pipes within the walls, faulty external waterproofing, or inadequate insulation that leads to condensation. Since the mold is concentrated in a specific corner and has worsened with humidity, a professional inspection is crucial to determine if the cause is a hidden leak or condensation from the AC system.

However, tenant responsibilities include maintaining adequate ventilation to manage the high humidity levels endemic to Dubai. Daily activities like showering and drying clothes indoors, combined with keeping AC off for extended periods, can create the perfect environment for Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold) to flourish, especially behind large furniture like wardrobes that restrict airflow.

I strongly recommend you do not attempt to clean this yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize harmful mycotoxins. The first step is to formally notify your landlord in writing, with photos, and request a professional mold inspection. A certified inspector will conduct moisture mapping and air quality testing to definitively identify the source.

For a comprehensive assessment and certified remediation plan, I recommend contacting our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We can provide a detailed report that clearly outlines liability, which is essential for discussions with your landlord.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 20, 2026 3:07 pm