Is building maintenance responsible for black mold?« Back to Previous Page

The responsibility for treating black mold depends entirely on its source. In Dubai apartments, the building maintenance is typically responsible for fixing structural issues that cause moisture intrusion, such as leaks from external walls, faulty window seals, or plumbing within the walls. If the mold on your external wall is due to a construction defect or water seepage from outside, your building's owner's association or landlord is obligated to address the root cause.

However, responsibility shifts if the moisture source is internal, like condensation from an AC unit, high indoor humidity, or lack of ventilation. In these cases, the occupant is usually responsible for the remediation and for improving airflow.

Given its location on an external wall in JVC, a professional inspection is urgent to identify the moisture source. The high humidity will cause it to spread quickly. An inspector can use a moisture meter to determine if the wall is damp from outside seepage or internal condensation. This evidence is crucial for discussing responsibility with your building management. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as disturbing it can release spores. Keep the area well-ventilated and move clothing away until it can be assessed.