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

Based on the specifics of your situation in Jumeirah Village Triangle, the legal responsibility for the black mold remediation and addressing its underlying cause almost certainly falls upon the property owner or landlord, not you as the tenant.

Under UAE rental law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, landlords are legally obligated to maintain the property in a habitable condition and are responsible for all major structural repairs. This includes addressing issues related to the building's envelope, such as hidden water infiltration, faulty external sealants, or internal plumbing leaks within the walls that lead to dampness and mold growth. The extreme humidity we experience in Dubai is a known environmental factor, but it typically exploits a pre-existing building defect. Merely running the AC, as you do, is considered normal occupant behavior for maintaining a comfortable environment and is not negligence.

Your landlord's claim that inadequate ventilation is the cause is a common but often incorrect assumption. The pattern you describe—mold spreading along wall corners—strongly suggests a "thermal bridge." This is a technical construction flaw where a poorly insulated section of the wall (like a concrete slab) becomes colder than the surrounding areas, causing significant condensation to form inside the wall cavity when the AC is running. This trapped moisture creates the perfect environment for mold, entirely independent of room-level ventilation.

For any claim, a professional inspection is critical. We would conduct a comprehensive assessment including moisture mapping and thermal imaging to scientifically identify the exact source of the moisture. This report is vital evidence to formally present to your landlord, demonstrating the structural nature of the problem.

For a definitive diagnosis and a legally substantiated report, I strongly recommend you contact our team for a professional inspection. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Saniservice can provide the expert documentation needed to resolve this with your landlord and execute the necessary remediation correctly.