Is this mold my landlord's responsibility to fix?« Back to Previous Page

The corner wall behind our sofa in the living room of our Al Barsha apartment has started showing these dark, fuzzy patches, and it’s been spreading since the humidity really kicked in last month. We’ve had the AC running constantly, but there's still a persistent damp smell. I’m worried about my toddler’s allergies, but I’m not sure if this is something I need to fix myself or if it’s the landlord's responsibility to handle and pay for the remediation.
Posted by Megan Thompson
Asked on March 24, 2026 11:33 pm
Based on your description of dark, fuzzy patches spreading on an interior wall in Al Barsha, this is highly indicative of active mold growth, likely exacerbated by the current high humidity. In the UAE, particularly in Dubai, the responsibility for mold remediation is typically determined by the cause.

According to standard tenancy contract regulations (EJARI), the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. This includes addressing leaks in the building envelope, faulty plumbing, or inherent condensation issues from inadequate insulation—all common causes of mold in Dubai's climate. The constant AC use you mention can sometimes contribute if the unit is undersized, incorrectly balanced, or if drain pans are clogged, leading to excess moisture the system cannot remove.

However, responsibility may shift to the tenant if the cause is determined to be from internal sources like inadequate ventilation (e.g., not using exhaust fans), blocking AC vents with furniture, or failing to report a minor leak in a timely manner.

Given the spread and the presence of a persistent damp smell, this is not a simple surface issue. A professional inspection is critical to identify the precise moisture source. DIY cleaning is not recommended, especially with a toddler present, as disturbing the mold can aerosolize spores and exacerbate allergy risks. Our certified inspectors use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the hidden cause and provide a definitive report, which is often necessary to establish liability with the landlord.

For your family's health and to correctly resolve this, I strongly advise a professional assessment. Please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 27, 2026 4:44 am