Black mold in apartment: who fixes leak, me or management?« Back to Previous Page

The first step is to document the mold with photos and then contact your building management immediately. Do not attempt to clean it yourself yet, as disturbing it can release spores. In Dubai, the responsibility for structural repairs, including fixing leaks from pipes within the walls or from the building envelope, almost always falls on the building management or owner, as per standard tenancy contracts.

The dampness you describe is a strong indicator of an ongoing leak, likely from an AC condensation line or a pipe chase in the wall, which is common in JLT's high-humidity climate. Your responsibility as a tenant is typically to report the issue promptly. The building's maintenance team must investigate the source of the moisture and repair it. Until the leak is fixed, any cleaning is temporary, as the mold will return.

Once the leak is repaired and the wall is dry, then address the mold. For a patch this size with underlying moisture, a professional assessment is recommended to ensure it's safely contained and remediated. They can also verify the species, as "black mold" is often used generally and not all types pose the same risk. Open a window for ventilation and consider moving sensitive individuals from the room until it's resolved.