Landlord or tenant responsible for mold in bedroom?« Back to Previous Page

Our master bedroom in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment has felt really damp for the past couple of months, and we've just found patches of black mold behind the wardrobe that was built into the wall. My husband’s allergies have been terrible, and we’re worried it’s the cause. Are we responsible for the cleaning and repairs, or is this something the landlord has to handle since it might be a building ventilation issue?
Posted by Bader Abbas
Asked on March 13, 2026 1:43 am
Based on the scenario you've described in your Jumeirah Village Circle apartment, determining responsibility for mold remediation hinges on identifying the source of the moisture. In the UAE, specifically under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is obligated to provide a property that is habitable and in good condition. This includes ensuring the building's structure and essential services, like ventilation and AC systems, are functioning correctly to prevent issues like condensation and dampness.

The persistent dampness you describe, especially if linked to a potential building ventilation flaw or a leaking pipe within the wall, would typically fall under the landlord's responsibility to investigate and rectify. Tenants are generally responsible for issues resulting from their own negligence, such as failing to use the AC appropriately to manage the high humidity or causing specific water damage.

Given that the mold is behind a built-in wardrobe, a hidden area, and your husband is experiencing significant allergic reactions, this is a serious health concern. Black mold (likely Stachybotrys chartarum or Aspergillus niger) can exacerbate allergies and asthma and produce mycotoxins. A professional inspection is critical to determine the exact cause and extent of the contamination. Our certified inspectors use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the moisture source and conduct air and surface sampling to identify the mold species, which is vital for planning the correct remediation strategy.

I strongly advise you to formally notify your landlord of the issue immediately and recommend a professional assessment. For a definitive diagnosis and a remediation plan that complies with Dubai Municipality guidelines, contact our team at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive inspection. Do not attempt to remove significant mold growth yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize spores and worsen the health risk and contamination.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 14, 2026 11:12 am