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

My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's from the black mold that’s been spreading along the wall behind our wardrobe in the master bedroom. It’s gotten much worse since the humidity spiked a couple of months ago. I've tried wiping it down with vinegar, but it just keeps coming back. Who is actually responsible for getting this professionally treated, me as the tenant or my landlord?
Posted by Gary Jones
Asked on April 2, 2026 7:44 pm
Based on the UAE Civil Code and standard tenancy contract stipulations, the responsibility for black mold removal is typically placed on the landlord. The law generally holds the property owner accountable for maintaining the structural integrity and habitability of the premises. This includes addressing underlying defects that cause persistent dampness, such as leaking pipes, faulty waterproofing, compromised building envelopes, or inadequate external sealing—all common issues in Dubai's construction that are exacerbated by our high humidity and constant AC use.

However, as the tenant, you are responsible for reporting the issue in writing to the landlord or property management company immediately. Your attempt to clean it with vinegar is a common but ineffective DIY approach; vinegar only removes surface discoloration and does not address the root moisture problem or the hyphal roots embedded within the building materials. The recurring growth indicates a significant underlying issue.

Given that your children are experiencing respiratory symptoms, this is a serious health and safety concern that requires immediate professional intervention. We strongly recommend you cease any further DIY attempts and contact a certified mold inspection company like Saniservice. Our experts use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to identify the precise source of the water intrusion and perform air and surface sampling to determine the spore count and species, which is critical for health assessment. We then provide a detailed report that can be presented to your landlord, outlining the necessary remediation steps to resolve the issue permanently, not just cosmetically.

For a definitive assessment and to protect your family's health, please call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 5, 2026 3:55 pm