Black mold found in apartment; who is responsible for removal?« Back to Previous Page

Black mold behind furniture on an exterior wall in Discovery Gardens is a common issue, often caused by condensation from the temperature difference between the air-conditioned room and the humid outdoor air. The first step is to have a professional inspection to identify the mold species and the moisture source. This is crucial for your children's health, as certain molds can exacerbate asthma and respiratory issues.

For removal, the responsibility typically falls on the landlord to fix the underlying cause—such as a leak or inadequate insulation in the wall—as this is a structural defect. You, as the tenant, are generally responsible for the contents of the apartment and surface cleaning. However, the removal of the mold itself is directly tied to repairing the root cause.

Immediately notify your landlord or property management company in writing, detailing the issue and including photographs. Under Dubai rental laws, they are obligated to address maintenance issues that affect the habitability of the property. While you wait for a response, improve ventilation in the room and keep the children away from the affected area. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this can aerosolize spores and doesn't address the moisture problem. A proper remediation involves containment, HEPA filtration, and antimicrobial treatment of the area after the wall is repaired.