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

Excellent question, and a very common issue we see here in Dubai, especially in coastal areas like Dubai Marina with the high humidity. Let's break down the responsibility and the correct approach.

Generally, the responsibility hinges on the source of the moisture causing the mold growth. Under standard UAE tenancy contracts, the landlord is obligated to provide a habitable property and is responsible for the structural integrity of the building. This includes addressing leaks from external walls, faulty AC drainage systems, or rising damp—which is a very common culprit in your scenario, where mold is on an exterior wall.

However, if the moisture source is determined to be from tenant activities (like excessive indoor drying of clothes without proper ventilation, or blocking AC vents), the remediation cost could fall to the tenant. The fact that you wiped it and it returned worse strongly indicates an ongoing moisture source within the wall or structure, which is almost certainly the landlord's responsibility.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue. They should arrange for a professional inspection to identify the exact moisture source. Do not attempt further DIY fixes like bleach or vinegar; they only remove surface discoloration and can actually force mold roots deeper into porous materials like drywall.

We strongly recommend a certified mold inspection. Our teams use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact source of the water intrusion behind that closet wall. Proper remediation involves isolating the area, removing contaminated materials, and applying professional-grade antimicrobial solutions to ensure it doesn't return.

For a definitive assessment and to get this resolved properly, please give our team a call at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We can provide a detailed report for your landlord that outlines the cause and the necessary remediation steps.