Who is responsible for black mold in my apartment?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the specifics of your case in Jumeirah, the responsibility for the black mold is almost certainly that of the landlord, and here is the technical reasoning why.

The location of the mold, behind a wardrobe on an external wall with a nearby AC unit, is a classic case of condensation-induced microbial growth. In Dubai's high-humidity climate, the constant cooling from the AC unit is creating a significant thermal bridge on that external wall. The cold surface of the wall, potentially inadequately insulated, is dropping below the dew point, causing moisture in the air to condense. This trapped, damp environment behind the furniture is the primary catalyst for the mold proliferation you've discovered.

Under UAE rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are responsible for the structural integrity of the property and for carrying out maintenance related to major defects in the main structures, including walls and central AC systems. Since the issue is fundamentally tied to the building's envelope (the external wall) and the performance of the provided AC system, the remediation cost should fall to the landlord.

However, immediate action is critical. Do not attempt to clean significant mold growth yourself, as improper disturbance releases harmful spores. This requires professional assessment. A certified mold inspector can use tools like thermal imaging cameras to identify the exact point of condensation and moisture meters to quantify the dampness within the wall cavity. This technical report is vital evidence for your landlord and will outline the precise remediation protocol needed, which goes beyond simple cleaning to address the root moisture cause.

For a definitive inspection and a report that outlines landlord responsibilities, I recommend you contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive assessment.