Are tenants responsible for black mold removal?« Back to Previous Page

Generally, no, tenants are not automatically responsible for the removal of structural black mold. In the UAE, the responsibility typically falls on the property owner or building management to address the underlying cause, which is often a building defect or maintenance issue.

The humidity in Dubai creates perfect conditions for mold, especially in enclosed spaces like wardrobes on exterior walls. The mold behind your winter clothes is a strong indicator of condensation due to a temperature differential between the cool room and the warmer wall, a common issue when AC units struggle. This persistent dampness is the property's issue to rectify.

Your immediate step is to formally report it in writing to your building management or landlord. They are obligated to investigate and fix the source of moisture, which could be inadequate insulation, a leaking pipe in the wall, or a faulty AC drainage line. Simply cleaning the visible mold is ineffective if the moisture problem isn't solved.

For your health and to protect your belongings, move the affected clothes to a dry, well-ventilated area immediately. While awaiting management's response, you can wipe down hard surfaces in the wardrobe with a diluted vinegar solution, but this is only a temporary measure. Do not attempt to remove extensive mold growth yourself, as disturbing it can release spores.

If the management is unresponsive or the problem is severe, a professional indoor health inspection can provide a documented assessment of the moisture source and mold species, which strengthens your case for necessary repairs.