Is treating black mold the landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in our Jumeirah apartment for 2 years and just noticed a huge patch of black mold spreading from the corner of our master bedroom closet, right on the outside wall. It's been getting worse since the humidity spiked a few weeks ago, and I'm worried it's making my allergies act up. Is getting this treated the landlord's responsibility, or is cleaning this kind of thing on me as the tenant?
Posted by Nikhil Mishra
Asked on April 2, 2026 10:07 pm
Based on Dubai's rental regulations, specifically Law No. 26 of 2007, the responsibility for treating structural mold issues like the one you've described typically falls on the landlord. The law mandates that the property owner is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the building, which includes addressing issues arising from external wall defects, faulty waterproofing, or inherent construction flaws that lead to water intrusion and subsequent mold growth. The fact that the mold is spreading from an outside wall corner strongly suggests a potential leak or significant condensation issue related to the building envelope, which is a structural concern.

However, you must formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue immediately. They are obligated to investigate and rectify the underlying cause. In the humid Dubai climate, where year-round AC use can create significant condensation if systems are poorly balanced, the source could be a leaking AC drain line within the wall, a crack in the building façade, or failed insulation.

Do not attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing a large patch of black mold can aerosolize spores, significantly worsening indoor air quality and allergy symptoms. A professional inspection is crucial to identify the exact moisture source and species of mold, as some types require specific remediation protocols.

For a definitive assessment and to ensure your landlord addresses it correctly, I recommend contacting our certified team at Saniservice. We provide detailed inspection reports that are legally recognized and can outline the necessary remediation steps. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 5, 2026 10:58 am