Is black mold on ceiling landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for two years and just noticed a patch of black mold spreading from the corner of our bedroom ceiling, right where the wall meets the outside. It definitely got worse after the heavy dew we had last week. We’re not sure if this is from a leak in the building or just from the general humidity. Are we responsible for cleaning and repairing this, or is it the landlord's duty to fix the underlying issue?
Posted by Sanjay Joshi
Asked on March 12, 2026 4:50 am
Based on the Dubai climate and UAE tenancy laws, the responsibility for black mold on a ceiling is typically determined by the source of the moisture. In your Jumeirah Village Circle apartment, the location at the ceiling-wall junction suggests a high probability of an external water intrusion or a leak from the building's structure, which is the landlord's responsibility to investigate and repair under Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai.

However, the persistent high humidity and condensation from year-round AC use can also be a contributing factor. While managing interior humidity through proper AC settings and ventilation is a tenant's duty, the initial cause here appears structural. The recent heavy dew likely exacerbated an existing, hidden issue.

Crucially, black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) is a serious health and structural hazard that requires professional assessment. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize toxic spores. A certified mold inspection is essential to identify the exact moisture source via thermal imaging and moisture meters, and to conduct air quality testing to determine spore concentration.

We strongly recommend you contact your landlord immediately, inform them of the issue, and request a professional inspection. For a comprehensive assessment and a definitive report to present to your landlord, you can call our experts at Saniservice on 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We will identify the root cause and provide the necessary documentation to clarify responsibility and ensure the problem is remediated correctly and safely.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 13, 2026 10:38 pm