Who is responsible for mold in my apartment rental?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the conditions you've described in your Marina apartment, the responsibility for addressing the mold issue is a shared one, but the primary financial and repair responsibility typically falls on the landlord. Under UAE rental law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, landlords are obligated to provide a habitable property and are responsible for maintenance of the main structure, including walls and issues arising from inherent building defects. The persistent dampness you describe, especially while running the AC, strongly suggests a potential underlying issue such as a hidden water leak from plumbing within the wall or a fault in the building's external waterproofing, which are structural defects the landlord must rectify.

However, tenant responsibilities include maintaining proper ventilation to prevent condensation, a common issue in Dubai's humid climate. Constantly running an AC that is not effectively dehumidifying can sometimes exacerbate the problem if the unit is not properly maintained or is the wrong size for the space.

Given the visible and significant growth of black mold, professional intervention is critical. We strongly recommend you request that the landlord arrange for a certified mold inspection. This is not just a simple cleaning task; testing is essential to identify the species (e.g., Stachybotrys chartarum, or other allergenic types) and the root moisture source. Attempting to clean it without this assessment is a health risk and will lead to recurrence.

For a definitive assessment, professional remediation, and documentation for your landlord, contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for a comprehensive inspection and a clear path to resolution.