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

We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed a patch of black mold in the corner of our master bedroom closet, which is on an exterior wall. It’s gotten noticeably worse since the heavy rains last month. As tenants in an apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle, are we responsible for arranging and paying for the mold removal ourselves, or is this something our landlord needs to handle?
Posted by Majid Al-Ahmad
Asked on April 23, 2026 10:20 am
Landlords in Dubai are generally responsible for addressing structural issues that cause mold, like water leaks or inadequate insulation. Tenants are typically responsible for issues stemming from their own negligence, like failing to use the AC or ventilate properly.

Your situation points strongly to a structural cause. The mold is on an exterior wall and worsened after heavy rain, which suggests water intrusion through the building envelope—a clear landlord responsibility under most tenancy contracts. The high humidity and condensation common in Dubai's climate, especially after rain, exacerbate these hidden leaks.

First, notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately. Include clear photos showing the location and extent. They should arrange for a professional to identify and repair the source of the moisture. Without fixing the leak, any cleaning is pointless as the mold will return.

For removal, the process depends on the extent. A small patch might be cleaned with appropriate solutions, but proper containment and air scrubbing are needed to prevent spores from spreading. Given it's in a closet and has been growing, a professional assessment is wise to check inside the wall cavity. Reputable remediation companies use moisture meters and thermal cameras to find the full scope and provide documentation for the landlord.

Do not attempt to remove it yourself with bleach, as this can aggravate the spores and only bleaches the color, leaving the root problem intact. Your priority is to get the landlord to acknowledge and address the moisture source.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 24, 2026 3:20 pm