Is black mold inspection a tenant or landlord responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for 2 years and just noticed what looks like a large patch of black mold behind our bedroom wardrobe. It must have been growing for a while, and the air has started to feel damp. With the humidity lately, it seems to be getting worse. Is getting a professional mold inspection our responsibility as tenants, or is this something the landlord needs to handle?
Posted by James Clark
Asked on April 3, 2026 5:40 am
In the UAE, the responsibility for addressing mold issues like the one you've described is typically governed by the rental contract and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, as amended (the 'Law Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai'). Generally, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes addressing issues related to the building envelope, such as hidden water leaks within walls or faulty external waterproofing that lead to dampness and mold growth. As a tenant, you are responsible for maintaining the property's cleanliness and reporting any defects in a timely manner.

Given that the mold is behind a wardrobe and the air feels damp, this strongly suggests a persistent humidity or condensation issue, potentially exacerbated by the Dubai climate and year-round AC use, which can create cold spots and condensation if not properly balanced. The scale and hidden nature of this growth indicate it is not due to simple surface condensation from daily activities. This is a serious case that requires professional inspection to identify the moisture source—whether it's an internal AC drain leak, a breach in the building's exterior, or another structural fault.

We strongly recommend you formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately, detailing the issue and including photographs. Request a professional mold inspection to assess the extent of the contamination and identify the root moisture cause. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize toxic spores. For a comprehensive assessment that includes moisture mapping and air quality testing to establish liability and a proper remediation protocol, you can contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for immediate assistance.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 4, 2026 5:44 am