Is landlord or tenant responsible for mold in apartment?« Back to Previous Page

In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is determined by the cause of the growth, as outlined in the rental contract and tenancy law. The key factor is identifying the source of the moisture.

If the black mold in your Jumeirah Village closet is due to a structural issue, such as a leak in the external wall, a faulty pipe within the building envelope, or inadequate insulation leading to condensation on the cold surface (a common issue with AC-chilled walls in Dubai's high humidity), then the responsibility falls to the landlord. They are obligated to maintain the property's structure and fix defects that were not caused by the tenant.

However, tenant responsibility arises if the mold is a direct result of occupant behavior. This includes failure to use the AC to control humidity, blocking ventilation grilles, drying clothes indoors without adequate ventilation, or failing to report a minor leak that then escalates.

Given that the mold is on an external wall and has worsened with humidity, a structural or condensation cause is highly probable. The first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photographs. Do not attempt to clean significant mold growth yourself, as improper handling can spread toxic spores.

We strongly recommend a professional inspection to definitively identify the moisture source. Our certified technicians at Saniservice use thermal imaging and moisture meters to diagnose the root cause, which is essential for assigning responsibility and ensuring the remediation is permanent. For a conclusive assessment and to discuss your specific case, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.