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

Based on your description of black, fuzzy patches spreading behind a wardrobe in your Jumeirah apartment, you are almost certainly dealing with a significant mold infestation. The combination of an older building, high humidity, and the thermal bridge created by the wardrobe (which restricts air circulation and promotes condensation on the cooler wall) creates the perfect environment for mold growth, particularly the notorious Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold).

Under UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is legally responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity and ensuring it is habitable. This includes addressing the root cause of the mold, which is almost always a building envelope issue such as penetrating damp from a leaking pipe, rising damp from a failed damp-proof course, or inadequate external waterproofing. The landlord is obligated to repair the underlying defect and the resultant damage, which includes professional mold remediation.

However, as a tenant, you are responsible for reporting the issue promptly and maintaining adequate ventilation to minimize condensation, a common issue in Dubai due to the extreme humidity and year-round AC use. Your immediate action should be to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photographs.

Given the presence of a toddler, whose respiratory systems are particularly vulnerable to mycotoxins from black mold, a professional inspection is critical. We strongly recommend you contact our certified team at Saniservice. We will conduct a comprehensive assessment, including moisture mapping and air quality testing, to definitively identify the species and the moisture source. This professional report will be essential evidence for your landlord and will outline the necessary remediation protocol. For immediate consultation, please call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.