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

Based on the UAE Civil Code, specifically Federal Law No. (5) of 1985, the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and addressing issues that affect its habitability. This includes problems with the building's core systems, like the AC infrastructure, which is often the root cause of condensation leading to mold growth on walls and baseboards.

Your situation in Jumeirah is a classic example. The proximity to the AC unit suggests a likely cause is either a poorly insulated cold water pipe within the wall, a leaking drain pan from the AC, or insufficient ventilation creating a humidity pocket. This is a maintenance issue stemming from the property's fixtures.

However, the tenant's responsibility is to promptly report any such defects to the landlord or property management company in writing. Failure to report it in a timely manner could potentially lead to shared liability for the resulting damage. Since you've just noticed it, you should act now.

Step 1: Document everything. Take clear, dated photos and videos of the mold patch.
Step 2: Formally notify your landlord or property manager via email, describing the issue and attaching the evidence. Explicitly mention the potential health risks and property damage.
Step 3: We strongly recommend a professional inspection to determine the exact species (e.g., is it the problematic Stachybotrys chartarum?) and the full extent of the infestation, which is often hidden inside walls. Our certified inspectors use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the source.

Do not attempt to clean significant growth yourself with bleach, as this can aerosolize spores and exacerbate the problem. For a proper assessment and remediation quote, please call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We can provide a formal report to present to your landlord, outlining the necessary corrective actions.