Is black mold removal landlord's or tenant's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

The wall behind our bedroom wardrobe in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment has patches of black mold, which we only found when we were rearranging furniture. It’s been humid for the last couple of months and the AC unit in that room has been dripping more than usual. Is removing this mold the landlord's responsibility to fix, or is it on me as the tenant?
Posted by Charles Smith
Asked on April 5, 2026 10:48 pm
In the UAE, particularly in humid climates like Dubai, black mold behind furniture is a common issue driven by condensation from AC units and high ambient humidity. The responsibility for remediation is typically defined in your tenancy contract and by Dubai rental law. Generally, structural issues and problems originating from inherent building faults (like a leaking AC condensate drain pipe within the wall or a leaking external wall) are the landlord's responsibility. However, if the mold is a direct result of tenant behavior—such as inadequate ventilation, failing to use the AC to control humidity, or not reporting a pre-existing water leak promptly—the tenant may be held liable.

The persistent AC drip you mention is a critical factor. This indicates a potential malfunction in the unit's drainage system, which is likely the landlord's responsibility to repair. The resulting moisture intrusion and mold growth stem from this fault.

We strongly recommend you do not attempt to remove significant black mold yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize toxic spores and exacerbate the contamination. Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue, including the AC drip, and request immediate professional assessment.

For an accurate determination of the moisture source and a certified remediation plan, a professional inspection is essential. Our certified teams at Saniservice use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact cause. We can provide a detailed report that clarifies liability and execute the complete, safe remediation process in accordance with Dubai Municipality guidelines.

For immediate assistance, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 8, 2026 4:46 am