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

Black mold growth on an interior wall in a Dubai apartment is a landlord's responsibility to remediate, as it's typically due to a structural or maintenance issue. Under UAE tenancy law, the landlord is obligated to maintain the property's structure, including walls and the building envelope, and to ensure it is habitable.

The damp smell and location behind the wardrobe strongly suggest a hidden water source. The AC unit leaking under the window is a probable cause, as its condensate drain line may be clogged or disconnected, allowing moisture to seep into the wall. This constant dampness, combined with Dubai's high humidity, creates an ideal environment for mold.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing (email is best), include clear photos of the mold and the AC unit, and describe the damp odor. They should arrange for a professional inspection to identify the moisture source. Simply cleaning the visible mold is ineffective and potentially hazardous if the underlying water issue isn't fixed; the mold will return.

For a patch of this size and the associated odor, professional remediation is advised. Disturbing it yourself can release a high concentration of spores, potentially affecting your health and contaminating other areas. A proper fix involves stopping the water intrusion, removing the affected building materials, and HEPA vacuuming the area. The landlord should handle this. Keep records of all communication, as you may need to escalate to the Dubai Land Department if they are unresponsive.