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

We've been in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for about a year, and with the humidity lately, I’ve discovered patches of black mold spreading on the wall behind our bedroom wardrobe. The musty smell is really strong, and my allergies have been going crazy. Is this something I need to handle myself, or is the landlord responsible for the inspection and removal?
Posted by Hyun Matsumoto
Asked on April 17, 2026 4:20 am
Responsibility for black mold removal in a Dubai apartment is typically defined by the cause of the moisture. The landlord is legally obligated to provide a habitable property, which includes addressing structural issues leading to mold, such as leaking pipes, seepage from external walls, or faulty AC drainage. These are considered maintenance defects.

However, if the moisture source is due to tenant behavior—like inadequate ventilation, drying clothes indoors, or not using the AC consistently to manage humidity—the responsibility for cleanup may fall to you. The intense humidity here, especially in JVC, can cause condensation behind furniture like wardrobes if air doesn't circulate.

Given the strong musty smell and your allergic reactions, this is a significant indoor air quality issue. Start by notifying your landlord or property management company in writing with photos. They should arrange an inspection to determine the cause. For a case this advanced, a professional assessment is key to identify the moisture source and mold species. DIY cleaning on porous surfaces like drywall is often ineffective and can spread spores.

The remediation process should involve fixing the water intrusion, properly removing the contaminated materials, and cleaning the area with antimicrobial solutions. Merely painting over it is insufficient. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can reference Dubai's rental laws pertaining to property maintenance and escalate through the Dubai Land Department if necessary.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 17, 2026 7:38 am