Is landlord responsible for mold cleanup in Dubai apartment?« Back to Previous Page

The presence of black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum is a common concern, particularly in Dubai's climate where high humidity and constant AC operation create ideal conditions for growth through condensation. Your situation in Jumeirah Village Circle is a classic case; the closet is a poorly ventilated, cool space where moisture becomes trapped.

From a technical standpoint, the landlord's responsibility is typically outlined in your tenancy contract and governed by Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, amended by Law No. 33 of 2008. Generally, the landlord is responsible for the structural integrity of the property and addressing issues arising from inherent building defects, such as faulty external waterproofing, leaking central AC ducts, or rising damp. However, if the moisture source is determined to be tenant-related—such as inadequate ventilation, drying clothes indoors, or failure to regularly maintain the AC unit's drip tray and filters—the responsibility for remediation may fall to you.

Given the potential health implications, especially for children, a professional inspection is critical. We must identify the exact species of mold and, more importantly, the precise moisture source through tools like thermal imaging and moisture meters. This forensic investigation is essential for determining liability.

Do not attempt to clean significant growth yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize harmful mycotoxins. For a definitive assessment and to understand your legal position, I strongly recommend a certified inspection. Contact our team at Saniservice on 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or hello@saniservice.com. Our detailed report will pinpoint the cause and provide a scope of work for safe, effective remediation, which can be presented to your landlord if the issue is determined to be a structural defect.