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

My kids have been coughing a lot lately, and I’m starting to suspect it’s from the black mold I just found growing behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom. We’ve lived in this Jumeirah Village Triangle apartment for two years and the AC is always running, but the wall feels damp to the touch. Is the landlord responsible for the inspection and remediation, or is this on me to handle?
Posted by Archana Pandey
Asked on April 2, 2026 1:33 am
In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is typically governed by the terms of your tenancy contract and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, known as the Dubai Rental Law. Generally, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. This includes addressing issues like persistent dampness, water infiltration, or faulty AC systems that lead to mold growth, as these are considered defects in the property itself.

The damp wall behind the wardrobe in your Jumeirah Village Triangle apartment is a significant red flag. The constant operation of the AC, while necessary in our climate, can exacerbate condensation issues if the unit is not properly sized, maintained, or if there is an underlying insulation problem within the building envelope. The landlord is likely responsible for investigating and rectifying this source of moisture.

However, your immediate priority is health. The coughing experienced by your children is a common symptom of exposure to mold spores, particularly from types like Stachybotrys (black mold). This is a serious case that requires professional intervention. Do not attempt to remove it yourself, as improper remediation can aerosolize the spores and worsen the contamination.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photos, and request immediate professional inspection and remediation. For a definitive assessment and a legally defensible report, I strongly recommend you engage a certified environmental inspector.

Our team at Saniservice specializes in mold inspection, air quality testing, and IECC-compliant remediation. We can identify the moisture source, assess the contamination level, and provide a detailed report for your landlord. For immediate assistance, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 3, 2026 4:22 pm