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

Good question, and a very common issue here in Dubai, especially in older buildings or ones with poor ventilation like you're describing in JVC. The humidity this summer has been brutal on a lot of AC systems.

Based on UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is generally responsible for the structural integrity and maintenance of the major building systems. This includes the central AC system and any underlying issues with the building envelope that are causing persistent dampness and mold growth. Since the mold is appearing on a structural wall (not due to, say, your own spillage) and is likely tied to a faulty AC unit that cannot control humidity, the responsibility to rectify the root cause almost certainly falls on your landlord.

However, the initial cleaning of the surface mold might be considered your responsibility as part of general tenant upkeep. BUT, and this is a big but, simply wiping it away is not remediation. It will just come back. The root cause—the excess moisture—MUST be addressed. This requires a professional inspection to identify the source, which could be a leaking pipe in the wall, insufficient insulation (a huge problem here), or the failing AC unit itself.

My strong recommendation is to formally notify your landlord in writing about the issue, including photos. Politely insist that they address the root cause. For a proper assessment, a certified mold inspection is crucial to determine the extent and type of mold, as some types can be hazardous. We can perform this and provide a detailed report for your landlord, which often speeds up the process.

If they are unresponsive, you can escalate to the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center.

For a proper assessment and to get that report, feel free to give us a call at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com. Don't just clean the surface; get it done right.