Is my landlord responsible for recurring black mold?« Back to Previous Page

We’ve lived in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for two years, but ever since the humidity spiked a couple of months ago, a recurring black mold patch has been spreading along the baseboard behind our bedroom wardrobe. We keep wiping it away but it comes back worse, and I’ve started waking up with a stuffy nose and itchy eyes. Is my landlord responsible for hiring a professional to fix the root cause, or is this just on me to clean as a tenant?
Posted by Sakura Nguyen
Asked on April 15, 2026 3:10 am
In Dubai, the landlord is typically responsible for resolving the root cause of recurring black mold, as it stems from a building defect like poor insulation, leaking pipes, or faulty AC drainage that allows persistent moisture. Your responsibility as a tenant is generally to report the issue in writing and maintain good ventilation.

Document the mold's recurrence with dated photos and send a formal written notice to the landlord or property management company, referencing the specific location and your health symptoms. Under Dubai's rental laws, the landlord is obligated to provide a habitable property and address structural issues causing the dampness.

The high humidity, especially in JVC, combined with continuous AC use, creates significant condensation that feeds mold behind furniture. Simply wiping it is ineffective; the hidden moisture source must be identified and corrected.

For a persistent black patch and health symptoms, a professional inspection is advised to diagnose the exact moisture source—whether it’s a rising damp issue, a concealed leak, or inadequate sealing. They can provide a formal report for your landlord. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 16, 2026 6:21 pm