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

We've lived in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for two years and just noticed a patch of black mold in the corner of our master bedroom closet. It's on the wall behind the clothes rack and seems to be spreading, and the room has felt really damp lately despite the AC running. I'm worried it's affecting our health and damaging our belongings. Is this something I need to fix myself, or is my landlord responsible for the inspection and remediation?
Posted by Soo Zhu
Asked on April 6, 2026 12:39 am
Based on UAE Civil Code and the standard rental contract regulations in Dubai, the responsibility for fixing black mold lies primarily with your landlord. The law (Law No. 26 of 2007) stipulates that the landlord is obligated to maintain the property and ensure it is habitable. This includes addressing structural or building envelope issues that lead to dampness and mold growth, such as leaking pipes, faulty waterproofing, or inadequate insulation, which are likely the root cause in your JVC apartment.

The persistent dampness you describe, even with AC running, is a classic symptom of a hidden defect, possibly a leaking AC condensation drain line within the wall or a thermal bridge causing condensation. Attempting to clean the visible patch yourself is a temporary fix; the mold will return if the underlying moisture source is not professionally identified and rectified. Furthermore, improper DIY remediation can aerosolize spores, worsening air quality and potential health effects.

Given the spread you've observed, a professional inspection is absolutely critical. Our certified mold inspectors at Saniservice use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact source of the moisture intrusion, which is essential for holding your landlord accountable and ensuring a permanent solution. We provide a detailed report that can be used to formally request remediation from your landlord.

For a comprehensive assessment and to protect your health and property, I strongly recommend you contact our specialists. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 7, 2026 6:19 pm