Is landlord responsible for damp wall and mold?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the conditions you've described in your JVC apartment, this is a very common issue we see in Dubai, especially with the recent high humidity. The black speckles are a strong visual indicator of active mold growth, and the cold, damp wall suggests a persistent moisture problem, likely due to condensation on a cold bridge or a potential hidden leak.

In the UAE, the responsibility for remediation is generally determined by the source of the moisture. According to standard tenancy contract regulations (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. This includes fixing issues with the building envelope, such as leaking pipes within the walls, faulty external waterproofing, or defective AC drainage systems that cause dampness. The mold growth is a direct symptom of this underlying moisture issue.

However, tenant responsibilities include maintaining adequate ventilation to prevent condensation, which is a major cause of mold in our climate. This means regularly using your AC or dehumidifier to control humidity levels.

Given that the wall itself is damp and cold to the touch, this strongly points to a structural or systemic issue that is the landlord's obligation to investigate and rectify. You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the problem immediately. We highly recommend a professional inspection first to accurately identify the moisture source. Our certified inspectors use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact cause, which provides the evidence needed to clearly establish responsibility.

For a definitive assessment and a report that you can present to your landlord, call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.