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

We’ve lived in our Jumeirah apartment for 2 years and just noticed a big patch of black mold in the corner of our master bedroom closet, which shares a wall with the bathroom. It’s been spreading over the last few weeks since the humidity really kicked in. I'm worried about my family's health, but I'm not sure if this is something I need to fix myself or if it's my landlord's responsibility to handle and pay for the professional mold removal.
Posted by Kevin White
Asked on March 28, 2026 1:12 pm
In the UAE, particularly in Dubai's high-humidity climate, mold growth due to condensation and persistent moisture is a common issue in apartments. The responsibility for mold remediation is typically determined by the source of the moisture, as outlined in Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007). If the mold in your closet is a direct result of a structural defect, such as a hidden water leak from the adjacent bathroom's plumbing, a faulty AC unit causing condensation, or inadequate waterproofing, then the financial responsibility for professional investigation and remediation falls squarely on the landlord.

However, if the moisture source is determined to be tenant-related, such as inadequate ventilation, drying clothes indoors, or failure to run the AC consistently to manage humidity, you may be held liable for the costs. The rapid spread you've described, especially on an interior wall adjoining a wet area, strongly suggests a persistent moisture issue that likely originates from a leak or construction defect.

Given the potential health risks of Stachybotrys (black mold) and the technical complexity of identifying the exact moisture source, we strongly advise against DIY removal. Disturbing the mold can aerosolize harmful spores throughout your apartment. The first and most critical step is to engage a professional mold inspection company like Saniservice. Our certified experts use thermal imaging, moisture meters, and borescopes to perform a non-invasive investigation. This identifies the precise cause and extent of the problem, providing a definitive report that can be used to determine liability with your landlord.

For a thorough assessment and a definitive action plan, please contact our specialists. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 30, 2026 1:56 am