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

Our master bedroom closet in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment has had a dark, fuzzy black mold growing in the corner for a couple of months. It's definitely gotten worse since the humidity spiked, and I'm worried it's affecting our clothes and health. Our tenancy contract isn't very clear about this. Am I responsible for cleaning this myself and paying for it, or is this something I need to report to the landlord to handle?
Posted by Rohan Rao
Asked on March 29, 2026 1:26 am
In the UAE, specifically Dubai, the responsibility for mold remediation is typically dictated by the tenancy contract and the cause of the issue. Under standard RERA regulations, the landlord is responsible for the structural integrity and maintenance of the property's core systems. If the mold in your JVC apartment is a result of a structural defect, such as a leaking pipe within the walls, a faulty AC drainage system leading to condensation buildup, or inadequate waterproofing in the building envelope, the financial responsibility for the investigation and remediation falls to the landlord. The persistent high humidity of the Dubai climate, especially in less-ventilated areas like closets with year-round AC use, often exacerbates these underlying issues.

However, if the mold growth is determined to be a direct result of tenant behavior—such as a failure to use the provided AC system adequately to control humidity, improper ventilation, or introducing a significant moisture source—the tenant may be held liable for the costs.

Given the description of a persistent, dark, fuzzy growth that has worsened over months, this strongly suggests an underlying moisture issue beyond simple condensation. We highly recommend you do not attempt to clean this yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize harmful spores and mycotoxins, contaminating your belongings and apartment. The first step is to formally report the issue in writing to your landlord or property management company, requesting a professional inspection.

For an accurate assessment, a certified mold inspector should conduct air and surface sampling to identify the species and concentration, trace the moisture source, and provide a scope for remediation. Our team at Saniservice specializes in this precise, technical process. We can provide a detailed report you can present to your landlord to clearly establish liability and the required corrective actions. For immediate consultation and to schedule a professional inspection, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 30, 2026 9:23 am