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

We've been in our Jumeirah villa for about a year, and ever since the humidity spiked a couple of months ago, there's been black mold spreading along the corner of my bedroom wall where the wardrobe is. The smell is really strong and I'm starting to get headaches. Is this something I should handle myself with bleach, or is my landlord legally responsible for the mold removal and fixing the cause?
Posted by Hannah Jackson
Asked on March 20, 2026 6:56 am
In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation is typically dictated by the lease agreement and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, known as the 'Real Estate Regulatory Law' and its amendments. The landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. Since the mold in your bedroom is spreading from a wall corner behind a wardrobe, this strongly suggests an underlying issue, such as water intrusion from a leaking pipe, a crack in the building envelope, or severe condensation due to poor insulation—all structural concerns that fall under the landlord's purview. The persistent high humidity in Dubai exacerbates these issues, especially when air conditioning is not adequately managing indoor moisture levels.

However, it is critical to identify the root cause, which requires a professional inspection. A DIY approach with bleach is strongly discouraged. Bleach is ineffective on porous surfaces like drywall and only removes surface discoloration, not the mold roots. More importantly, it does not address the moisture source, guaranteeing the mold will return. The strong smell and associated headaches you're experiencing indicate active microbial volatile organic compound (MVOC) release, which requires proper containment and remediation to protect your health.

I recommend you formally notify your landlord in writing, detailing the issue and requesting immediate action. For a definitive assessment and a report that can be presented to your landlord, a certified mold inspection is essential. Our team at Saniservice can conduct a comprehensive investigation using moisture meters, thermal imaging, and air quality testing to pinpoint the exact moisture source and extent of contamination, providing a professional remediation protocol. For immediate assistance, please call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 21, 2026 11:23 am