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

We've lived in our Jumeirah apartment for 2 years and just noticed a huge patch of black mold in the back of the bedroom closet, which is on the wall facing the outside. It's been getting worse since the humidity spiked a couple of months ago. Who is responsible for the cleaning and repairs here, me or the landlord?
Posted by Susan Torres
Asked on March 21, 2026 11:53 pm
The responsibility for black mold remediation in your Dubai apartment is primarily determined by the cause, as per standard tenancy contracts and Dubai Land Department guidelines. Given that the mold is on an external wall and has escalated with the recent high humidity, the underlying cause is critical.

In cases where the mold is due to a structural issue, such as a leak from the external wall, a faulty seal around a window, or inadequate insulation leading to condensation (a common issue in Dubai's climate where constant AC use creates significant thermal bridging), the responsibility for repairs falls to the landlord. They are obligated to maintain the property's structure and ensure it is habitable.

However, tenant responsibilities include maintaining adequate ventilation to prevent moisture accumulation, which is a frequent cause of mold in closets and behind furniture. If the mold is solely due to a lack of air circulation and failure to use dehumidifiers or AC, the cleaning cost may fall to you.

For a case of this severity, a professional inspection is non-negotiable. Our certified inspectors will conduct a comprehensive assessment, including moisture mapping and thermal imaging, to definitively identify the source of the moisture—whether it's an invasive leak or condensation. This evidence-based report is essential for determining liability and the required scope of remediation, which for a large patch likely involves more than just surface cleaning.

Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize toxic spores. For a definitive diagnosis and a compliant remediation quote, I strongly recommend you contact our team at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 24, 2026 4:37 am