Is landlord responsible for black mold on bedroom wall?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the details you've provided, this is a very common scenario in Dubai, particularly in JVC, and is almost certainly a building envelope issue related to condensation. The black spots are indicative of mold growth, likely Cladosporium or Aspergillus, which thrive in the high humidity conditions we experience here, especially when warm, moisture-laden air meets a cold surface (thermal bridging).

Under UAE tenancy law, the responsibility for repair falls on the landlord if the issue is structural or related to the building's integrity. Mold caused by condensation due to inadequate insulation, faulty AC systems leading to excessive humidity, or water ingress from the external wall is the landlord's legal obligation to rectify. Your responsibility as a tenant is typically limited to damage caused by your own negligence, such as failing to use the AC to control humidity or causing direct water damage.

However, the critical first step is a professional inspection to determine the exact cause and extent. The spread behind the wardrobe is a serious concern, as hidden mold colonies can be significantly larger. We use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to identify the moisture source and borescopes to inspect cavities without destructive testing.

I strongly recommend you contact your landlord immediately and request a professional mold inspection. Do not attempt to clean it with bleach, as this will only discolour the surface and not address the root moisture problem or remove the allergenic spores.

For a definitive assessment and remediation plan, our certified team at Saniservice can provide a comprehensive report for you to present to your landlord. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.