Who is responsible for mold from a potential hidden leak?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the description of a damp wall and black, speckled mold spreading in a closet, this is a strong indicator of an ongoing moisture issue, likely a concealed plumbing or condensation leak. The UAE's high humidity and reliance on year-round air conditioning can exacerbate these problems, as temperature differentials often cause condensation within wall cavities, especially on cold bridges.

Under Dubai and wider UAE tenancy law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the responsibility for maintenance and structural repairs falls squarely on the landlord. This includes addressing the root cause of the mold, such as fixing hidden pipe leaks, sealing building envelope breaches, or rectifying faulty AC drainage systems that cause dampness. The tenant is typically responsible for informing the landlord of the issue in a timely manner and for maintaining adequate ventilation to prevent condensation from daily activities.

Your immediate action should be to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, detailing the issue and including photographs. Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize toxic spores. The remediation process must begin with a professional inspection to identify the exact moisture source. This involves specialized tools like moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras, and borescopes to assess the wall cavity without unnecessary damage.

Once the source is identified and repaired by the landlord, the mold remediation itself must be performed by certified professionals like Saniservice. We use containment barriers, negative air pressure machines, and HEPA filtration to safely remove the contaminated materials and hygienize the area, ensuring the problem is resolved completely and your health is protected. For an immediate assessment, please call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.