Is landlord responsible for black mold cleanup?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing and I suspect it might be from the black mold I just found behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom. We've lived in this Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for two years, but I only noticed it when I was rearranging furniture. The wall feels damp to the touch. Is my landlord responsible for the cleanup and fixing the leak, or is this on me?
Posted by Richard Lewis
Asked on March 27, 2026 7:26 am
Based on the UAE Civil Code and standard tenancy contracts in Dubai, the landlord is typically responsible for the structural integrity of the property. This includes addressing the source of moisture that led to the mold growth, such as fixing a leaking pipe, repairing faulty AC drainage, or sealing a leak in the building envelope. The damp wall you describe strongly indicates an underlying moisture issue that is the landlord's obligation to rectify.

However, the cleanup of the mold itself can sometimes become a point of contention. While the landlord must fix the leak, the remediation of the resulting mold may fall to the tenant if it is deemed that the moisture problem was caused by tenant negligence, such as a failure to ventilate the property adequately. Given Dubai's high humidity and the constant use of AC, which can cause condensation if not properly maintained, establishing the root cause is critical.

In your case, with visible mold and a damp wall, we strongly recommend a professional inspection. Our certified inspectors can conduct a thorough assessment to identify the exact moisture source and the extent of the mold contamination, including potential hidden growth within the wall cavity. This detailed report is crucial evidence to formally present to your landlord, clearly outlining their responsibilities.

Do not attempt to clean significant black mold yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize harmful spores, potentially worsening your children's respiratory symptoms. For a definitive assessment and to ensure the health of your family, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Saniservice specializes in resolving such issues in accordance with Dubai's specific climate and regulatory environment.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 28, 2026 3:10 pm