Who handles black mold repair: landlord or building management?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in our Jumeirah apartment for 2 years and just noticed a big patch of black mold in the corner of our master bedroom closet, which shares a wall with the bathroom. My husband has been waking up with a stuffy nose and a cough that just won't go away, and I'm starting to get worried it's connected. Who is responsible for handling this kind of repair in a rented apartment, the building management or the landlord, and what's the fastest way to get it sorted for our health?
Posted by Brian Taylor
Asked on April 5, 2026 3:20 am
In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation in a rented apartment is typically delineated by the source of the moisture. Given your location in Jumeirah and the proximity to the bathroom, the issue is almost certainly related to internal factors like high humidity, condensation from year-round AC operation, or a possible plumbing leak from the adjacent bathroom. Under standard tenancy contracts (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for repairs related to the structural integrity of the property, which includes fixing the underlying cause of the mold, such as a leaking pipe or seepage. The building management is generally only responsible for common areas and the external building envelope.

Your husband's persistent respiratory symptoms are a significant red flag. Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold) can produce mycotoxins that exacerbate allergies and asthma. The fastest way to resolve this is a two-step process. First, immediately notify your landlord in writing about the issue, citing your concerns for health and property damage, and request urgent action to identify and repair the moisture source. Simultaneously, for your health's sake, you must engage a professional mold inspection and testing company.

As a certified specialist, I must stress that DIY removal is not advised for a patch of that size due to health risks and the high probability of improper remediation spreading spores. A professional team like Saniservice will conduct a comprehensive assessment using moisture meters and thermal imaging to pinpoint the exact moisture source, perform air and surface sampling to identify the mold species and spore count, and execute a controlled remediation following industry best practices. This ensures the root cause is solved and the environment is returned to a safe, hygienic state.

For immediate assistance with inspection and remediation, I recommend contacting our team at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a diagnostic visit.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 8, 2026 12:44 am