Landlord responsible for mold from wall moisture in rental?« Back to Previous Page

Black mold is a common term for several species, the most concerning being Stachybotrys chartarum. In your humid JVC apartment, the moisture behind the wardrobe is the primary cause, and the recurring patches after cleaning confirm an ongoing water issue. The sinus irritation you're experiencing is a typical reaction to mold spores in the indoor air.

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), structural issues causing water intrusion and moisture are the landlord's responsibility to rectify. This includes fixing leaking pipes, faulty waterproofing, or insulation problems within the walls. You, as the tenant, are typically responsible for general cleaning and maintenance, but not for fixing the source of the dampness.

First, notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photos, about the moisture problem and recurring mold. They are obligated to address the root cause. Merely wiping the surface with vinegar or bleach is a temporary fix; the mold will return until the humidity source is eliminated. For health verification and to document the issue, a professional inspection with lab analysis can identify the mold species and spore concentration levels. This provides concrete evidence of the indoor air quality issue.

Once the landlord repairs the moisture source, proper remediation by a certified professional is needed to safely remove the established growth and prevent spores from spreading throughout your apartment during the cleaning process.