Tenant or landlord responsible for black mold in apartment?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in our Jumeirah Village apartment for two years and just noticed a patch of black mold on the wall behind the wardrobe, which I think is from a slow leak. The dampness seems to be getting worse since the humidity kicked in last month. Is it my responsibility as a tenant to fix this and clean the mold, or should I report it to the landlord?
Posted by Minji Li
Asked on March 31, 2026 7:05 am
Based on the UAE Civil Code (Federal Law No. 5 of 1985) and standard tenancy contract stipulations, the responsibility for this type of repair typically falls on the landlord.

The presence of black mold behind a fixed wardrobe in Jumeirah Village strongly indicates a building envelope or plumbing issue, not tenant-caused condensation. The worsening dampness you describe confirms an active moisture source, likely a slow pipe leak or water ingress from the external wall. As the structural integrity of the property is the landlord's obligation, the remediation of this defect is their responsibility.

Your first step is to formally report this in writing to your landlord or property management company immediately. Include clear photographs and a detailed description. Do not attempt to remove the mold yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize toxic spores and exacerbate the health risk and property damage. The landlord should arrange for a professional inspection to identify and rectify the source of the water intrusion. Only after the leak is permanently fixed should mold remediation begin, as per Dubai Municipality guidelines.

For a proper assessment and to document the issue for your landlord, we recommend a certified mold inspection. Our technicians can identify the exact moisture source, test the mold type, and provide a detailed report for the landlord.

Call 800-MOLDS or 800-66537 to schedule an inspection or email hello@saniservice.com. Do not delay, as the problem will only worsen with the current humidity.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 1, 2026 9:45 pm