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

Excellent question, and a very common issue we see here in Dubai, especially in coastal areas like Marina with high humidity levels. That black, fuzzy growth you're describing is almost certainly a type of mold, and the fact it's spreading is a clear sign of an ongoing moisture issue.

Regarding responsibility, the answer hinges on the source of the moisture. Under UAE tenancy law, the landlord is generally responsible for the structural integrity of the property. This means if the moisture is entering through a leak in the building's external wall, a faulty AC condensation drain line inside the wall, or a pipe leak, the remediation and repair are unequivocally the landlord's obligation. You must notify them in writing immediately.

However, if the moisture is due to tenant-related activities—like inadequate ventilation, drying clothes indoors, or blocking the AC vents with furniture (which can cause condensation to build up behind that wardrobe)—the responsibility for addressing the cause may fall to you.

The first and most critical step is to identify the moisture source, which requires a professional inspection. We use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact cause without destructive investigation. Given the potential health risks of long-term mold exposure, especially in a bedroom, I strongly recommend you get this assessed professionally.

Please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection. We can provide a detailed report that clearly outlines the cause, which you can then present to your landlord to definitively settle the responsibility question and get it resolved safely.