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

My bedroom closet in our Al Barsha apartment has had this damp, earthy smell for the last few months, and I just pulled out a stack of winter clothes to find patches of black mold all over the back wall. We keep the AC on most of the time, but the room always feels a bit humid. Is the landlord responsible for the remediation and fixing the cause, or is treating my belongings and cleaning the wall on me?
Posted by Laura Richard
Asked on March 18, 2026 8:02 pm
Based on the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007) and subsequent regulations, the responsibility for mold remediation is determined by the root cause of the issue.

The landlord is unequivocally responsible for the structural integrity of the property and for maintaining the building's core systems. This includes fixing leaks from external walls, plumbing within the walls, faulty AC drainage systems, or inadequate insulation that leads to condensation—all of which are common culprits in Dubai's high-humidity climate. The persistent humidity you describe in your Al Barsha apartment, even with the AC running, strongly suggests an underlying systemic issue, such as an AC unit not dehumidifying properly or a breach in the building envelope.

However, tenant responsibilities include maintaining adequate ventilation (e.g., running exhaust fans, not blocking AC vents) and promptly reporting any signs of moisture to the landlord. The act of cleaning your personal belongings affected by the mold would typically fall to you as the tenant.

Given the description of a persistent smell and visible patches, this is a serious case. We strongly recommend a professional inspection to accurately identify the moisture source. DIY cleaning often fails to address the root cause, leading to rapid regrowth and potential health risks. Our certified inspectors use tools like thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact issue, providing a report that can be used to formally request remediation from your landlord.

For a definitive assessment and to ensure your landlord addresses their responsibilities, please contact our experts. Call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for a comprehensive inspection and remediation plan.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 21, 2026 2:39 pm