Black mold in Dubai Marina closet: landlord or tenant responsible?« Back to Previous Page

This is a very common issue we see in Dubai Marina apartments, especially in closets on exterior walls. The constant battle between the humid external air and the chilled interior AC can create significant condensation points, which is a perfect breeding ground for mold.

Regarding responsibility, under UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the structural integrity and the essential systems of the property are the landlord's obligation. This includes the building envelope—walls, windows, and insulation—which are designed to prevent moisture intrusion. Since this is on an exterior wall, the root cause (a potential thermal bridge or seepage) is almost certainly the landlord's responsibility to investigate and rectify. As the tenant, your responsibility is typically limited to general maintenance and reporting issues in a timely manner, which you have done.

However, for your family's health, immediate action is needed. Do not attempt to clean this yourself with bleach, as this can aerosolize the spores and only removes the surface color, not the root organism. You need a professional inspection to identify the mold species (e.g., is it the more concerning Stachybotrys chartarum or a less hazardous type?) and the exact moisture source.

We strongly recommend you formally notify your landlord/property management company in writing and request a professional mold assessment. For an immediate, certified inspection and detailed report that you can present to your landlord, you can call our team at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We can identify the source, provide a remediation protocol, and clarify responsibility with a definitive expert opinion.