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

My bedroom closet on the outer wall has started developing black spots of mold, which I'm sure is from the humidity. We've lived in this Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for two years, but it's gotten much worse since the heavy rains in March. The landlord is saying it's our fault for not ventilating properly, but we run the AC constantly. Who is legally responsible for the cleanup and repairs in this situation?
Posted by Jessica Scott
Asked on April 10, 2026 8:24 pm
Based on the UAE Civil Code (Federal Law No. 5 of 1985) and common tenancy contract stipulations in Dubai, the responsibility for mold remediation typically falls on the landlord, as they are legally obligated to provide a habitable property and maintain the structural integrity of the building.

Your situation in Jumeirah Village Circle is a classic example. The development of mold on an outer wall, significantly exacerbated by the recent heavy rains, strongly indicates a building envelope failure. This could be a leaking pipe within the wall, faulty sealing around windows, or inadequate external waterproofing and insulation—all of which are structural issues and unequivocally the landlord's responsibility. While tenants are expected to maintain reasonable ventilation, running the AC constantly, as you do, is the primary method of humidity control in Dubai's climate and should be sufficient to prevent mold in a properly constructed building.

We strongly recommend you do not attempt to clean this yourself, as improper remediation can spread spores and exacerbate health risks. The landlord must arrange for a professional inspection to identify the exact moisture source. A certified mold inspector will use tools like thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the intrusion, which is critical for assigning liability.

For a definitive assessment and legally compliant remediation report, we advise you to contact our team at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Our certified experts can provide a detailed inspection report that will serve as crucial evidence in discussions with your landlord or the Dubai Rental Dispute Center, if necessary.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 12, 2026 4:05 am