Is landlord responsible for black mold from high humidity?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the UAE Civil Code and standard tenancy contracts, the landlord is primarily responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and ensuring it is habitable. This includes providing and maintaining a functional air conditioning system that is capable of controlling both temperature and humidity to a reasonable standard. The extreme humidity you're describing, with damp curtains and AC running constantly, strongly suggests the AC unit may be undersized, faulty, or its drainage system is blocked, failing to remove moisture from the air as it should.

Your first step is to formally notify the landlord or property management company in writing (email is best for a paper trail), detailing the issue and including clear photographs of the mold and any condensation. They are obligated to investigate and rectify the source of the moisture intrusion or the malfunctioning AC. Simply cleaning the mold is not enough; the root cause must be fixed.

However, tenant responsibilities include maintaining adequate ventilation (e.g., using kitchen/bathroom extractor fans) and not blocking AC vents with furniture, which can create cold spots and condensation. Given the significant mold growth you've found behind the dresser, this is a serious indoor air quality issue that requires professional remediation to prevent health risks and further property damage.

For a definitive assessment and to ensure your landlord addresses it properly, I highly recommend a professional inspection. We can identify the exact humidity source, the extent of the mold contamination, and provide a certified report for your landlord.

Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for an expert evaluation.