Is black mold in my apartment the landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Based on UAE rental law, specifically Law No. 26 of 2007, the responsibility for structural repairs and issues related to the building's envelope falls on the landlord. The black mold growth behind your wardrobe in Jumeirah is highly indicative of a penetrating dampness issue from the outer wall, which is a structural defect. Given Dubai's high humidity levels and the recent condensation, this is a common problem where warm, moisture-laden air penetrates through micro-cracks in the building facade, condensing on cooler interior surfaces and creating the perfect environment for mold.

Your responsibility as a tenant is typically limited to minor maintenance and reporting the issue promptly, which you have done. The landlord is obligated to address the root cause—the moisture ingress—not just the visible mold. Simply cleaning the surface mold is a temporary fix; the underlying moisture problem must be resolved to prevent recurrence.

I strongly recommend you formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing and request a professional mold inspection. A certified inspector will use moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to pinpoint the exact source of the water intrusion and assess the full extent of the contamination. Attempting to handle this yourself could inadvertently spread the spores and is not advised.

For a comprehensive assessment and remediation plan that addresses both the symptom and the cause, you can contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection. We can provide a detailed report for your landlord, outlining the necessary corrective actions in line with Dubai Municipality standards.