Is landlord responsible for black mold on wall and furniture?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the description of the black mold growth on the wall and the back of the wooden wardrobe in your Jumeirah apartment, this is a serious issue that requires immediate professional attention. The root cause is almost certainly persistent elevated humidity, a well-documented challenge in Dubai's climate, especially after periods of high humidity when condensation forms on cooler surfaces, such as behind furniture placed against exterior walls.

Regarding liability, the UAE Civil Code places responsibility on the landlord to maintain the structural integrity of the property. This includes addressing issues like water infiltration or faulty building envelope components that lead to damp walls. However, the tenant is typically responsible for maintaining adequate ventilation to prevent condensation, which is often caused by everyday activities and a lack of air circulation. The determination of fault hinges on the specific cause. If the mold resulted from a structural defect (e.g., a hidden water leak from plumbing or a crack in the wall), the landlord is unequivocally responsible. If it is solely due to condensation from poor air circulation behind the wardrobe—a common issue in air-conditioned homes—the responsibility for remediation may fall to you, the tenant. The damaged furniture is generally considered the tenant's responsibility unless the damage is a direct result of a landlord-neglected structural issue.

Given the extent of the growth, a professional inspection is critical. Our certified inspectors can conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify the precise moisture source, perform air and surface sampling to determine the mold species and spore count, and provide a detailed report. This report is essential evidence for formally discussing remediation responsibility with your landlord. For immediate consultation and to schedule a thorough inspection, please call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Do not attempt to clean significant black mold growth yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize toxins and exacerbate the problem.