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

This is a common and serious issue we encounter in Dubai, particularly in older buildings in coastal areas like Jumeirah. The location you describe—an exterior wall corner behind stored items—is a classic hotspot for condensation and mold growth. The constant operation of your dehumidifier without resolving the problem strongly indicates an underlying structural or building envelope issue, such as a thermal bridge in the wall or a minor, persistent water intrusion from the outside.

Under UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity and ensuring it is habitable. This includes addressing issues with the building's exterior envelope, waterproofing, and any defects that lead to dampness and mold, which constitute a health hazard. As the tenant, your responsibility is typically limited to general upkeep, ventilation, and reporting the issue promptly, which you have done.

However, a professional inspection is absolutely critical here. The visible patch is likely just the "bloom" of a larger colony. We must identify the precise moisture source—whether it's internal condensation due to the temperature differential on the cold surface or an external leak. This requires specialized tools like thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters.

Do not attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing significant black mold without proper containment can aerosolize harmful mycotoxins throughout your living space. This is a job for certified remediation experts.

I strongly recommend you formally notify your landlord in writing and request immediate action. For a definitive assessment and remediation quote, our team at Saniservice can perform a comprehensive inspection. We are certified to provide the detailed report often required to formally resolve responsibility disputes with landlords. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an investigation.