Is landlord or tenant responsible for mold in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai's climate, with high ambient humidity and reliance on year-round AC, mold growth is a common issue. The responsibility for remediation hinges on the cause, as defined by Dubai Rental Law. If the mold is a direct result of a structural or maintenance issue with the property itself—such as a leaking pipe, faulty window seal, or a deficient AC system that fails to manage humidity—the financial responsibility falls squarely on the landlord. The landlord is obligated to provide a habitable property, and persistent dampness due to a building defect qualifies as a breach of that obligation.

However, if the cause is determined to be tenant behavior—such as inadequate ventilation, blocking AC vents with furniture (like the wardrobe mentioned), failing to report a minor leak, or not operating the AC sufficiently to control condensation—the tenant may be held responsible for the cost of remediation.

Given your situation in JVC, the location behind the wardrobe is a significant red flag. This suggests a potential combination of restricted airflow from the AC unit and cold wall condensation, creating a perfect microclimate for Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold) growth. The first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photographs. We strongly recommend a professional indoor environmental inspection to definitively identify the mold species and, crucially, to conduct a moisture mapping assessment to pinpoint the exact source of the moisture. This expert report is vital for determining liability.

Do not attempt to clean significant black mold growth yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize toxic mycotoxins. For a definitive assessment and certified remediation plan, please contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive inspection.