Black mold in apartment closet: landlord or tenant responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the responsibility for this type of structural mold issue typically falls on the landlord. The law mandates that the property owner is responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity and ensuring it is habitable. The black spots and damp smell you describe, which appeared after a period of high humidity, strongly suggest a hidden issue like a leaking pipe within the wall, faulty insulation causing condensation, or a breach in the building envelope. These are not due to tenant activities like laundry or cooking and are considered structural maintenance issues.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, detailing the issue and including clear photographs. They are obligated to investigate and address the root cause. However, do not wait for their response to act on the contamination itself. Mold of this nature can spread rapidly in Dubai's climate due to the constant AC operation creating temperature differentials and condensation points.

We strongly recommend a professional inspection to assess the extent of the growth, identify the exact moisture source, and perform safe, effective remediation. Disturbing the mold without proper containment and air scrubbing can aerosolize spores and contaminate your entire apartment. Our certified team at Saniservice uses thermal imaging, moisture meters, and specialized equipment to diagnose and resolve such problems completely.

For immediate advice and to schedule a comprehensive assessment, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.