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

My kids have been coughing and I suspect it’s from the black mold that’s spreading along the bottom of the bedroom wall in our apartment in Jumeirah. We noticed it a couple of weeks ago and it seems to be getting worse. Is the landlord responsible for the inspection and mold remediation, or is this on me to handle as the tenant?
Posted by Hui Pham
Asked on April 3, 2026 10:25 pm
In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is a shared concern between tenant and landlord, governed by the rental contract and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (Amended by Law No. 33 of 2008), also known as the Dubai Rental Law. The landlord is unequivocally responsible for providing a habitable property, which includes maintaining the structural integrity of the building and addressing issues arising from inherent defects, such as faulty waterproofing, leaking central AC systems, or construction flaws that lead to persistent dampness.

However, the tenant is responsible for maintaining the interior of the property and any damage caused by their own actions or negligence. In your case, the mold along the bottom of the bedroom wall in Jumeirah is a significant indicator. Given Dubai's high humidity and the constant use of AC, condensation is a common culprit. If the mold is a result of condensation from an undersized or faulty AC unit (a landlord-provided appliance), it falls to them. If it is due to a tenant action, like blocking AC vents or failing to ventilate the apartment adequately, the responsibility could shift.

The health symptoms you describe, particularly in children, elevate this to a serious issue that requires immediate professional attention. Black mold (often Stachybotrys chartarum) can produce mycotoxins that cause respiratory distress. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as improper remediation can aerosolize spores and worsen the contamination.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord/property management company in writing about the issue, detailing the health concerns. We strongly recommend you insist on a professional mold inspection to identify the exact species and the root moisture source. As a certified environmental inspection company in Dubai, Saniservice can provide a comprehensive assessment and a legally defensible report to determine liability.

For immediate assistance with inspection and safe, certified remediation, please call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Your family's health is paramount.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 6, 2026 12:33 pm