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

We've lived in our Jumeirah Village Triangle apartment for 2 years and just noticed a bunch of black spots spreading on the wall behind our wardrobe. It's been really humid lately and the AC in that bedroom seems to struggle. Are we responsible for cleaning this, or is this something the landlord needs to fix?
Posted by Junho Vu
Asked on May 9, 2026 3:05 pm
Tenant responsibility typically depends on the cause. In Dubai rentals, landlords are responsible for fixing structural issues that cause water intrusion or faulty AC systems. Tenants are responsible for issues stemming from their own lifestyle or negligence, like inadequate ventilation.

Given your location in Jumeirah Village Triangle and the recent high humidity, this is a very common scenario. The wall behind furniture is a classic condensation point, especially if the AC is undersized or set at a high temperature, allowing humid air to settle. First, move the wardrobe away from the wall to allow air circulation. Wipe the mould off with a diluted vinegar or bleach solution—this is a tenant-level cleaning task for surface growth.

However, if the mould returns quickly or is widespread, the underlying cause needs professional diagnosis. It could be a leaking pipe in the wall, poor building insulation, or an AC unit that isn't dehumidifying properly. At that point, you must formally notify the landlord or building management in writing. They are obligated to investigate and rectify any structural or mechanical faults per Dubai rental law. For severe or recurring cases, a professional inspection can identify the moisture source and mould type, which provides concrete evidence for your landlord.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 12, 2026 3:57 am