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

We've been in our Jumeirah Village Triangle apartment for about a year, and I just pulled out a winter sweater from the back of the wardrobe and found a patch of black mold on the wall behind it. The room always feels a bit damp, especially since the weather changed. Is this something I need to fix myself, or is the landlord responsible for treating the mold on the walls?
Posted by Mark Miller
Asked on April 6, 2026 1:53 pm
Based on the UAE Civil Code, specifically Federal Law No. 5 of 1985, the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes addressing issues like dampness and mold that originate from inherent building defects. This could be a leaking pipe within the walls, faulty external waterproofing, or inadequate insulation. The persistent dampness you describe, especially in a climate like Dubai's where high humidity and constant AC use can lead to significant condensation issues, often points to such an underlying problem.

However, tenant responsibilities include maintaining proper ventilation to mitigate condensation, which is a very common cause of mold in wardrobes and behind furniture in Dubai. If the mold growth is determined to be a result of tenant negligence, such as failing to use the AC to control humidity or obstructing ventilation grilles, the cost of remediation could fall to you.

Given the situation, we strongly recommend a professional inspection to determine the moisture source. Our certified experts at Saniservice use tools like thermal imaging and moisture meters to accurately diagnose whether the issue is condensation or a building defect. This report is crucial for discussing responsibility with your landlord. Attempting to clean visible mold without addressing the root moisture problem will only lead to rapid regrowth.

For a definitive diagnosis and a resolution, please contact our team for a comprehensive assessment. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 9, 2026 10:52 am