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

This is a very common and serious issue we see in Dubai, especially in older buildings in areas like Al Barsha. The high humidity, combined with AC condensation problems, creates a perfect breeding ground for mold.

Legally, responsibility is typically determined by the source of the moisture. Under standard tenancy contracts and Dubai Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is responsible for the structural integrity of the property. This includes fixing leaks from external walls, faulty plumbing within the walls, or a malfunctioning central AC system that is causing excess humidity. If the mold is a result of such an issue, the landlord must remediate the cause.

However, as the tenant, you are responsible for maintaining adequate ventilation (e.g., running exhaust fans, not blocking AC vents) and reporting any issues promptly. If the mold growth is due to tenant negligence, like not using the AC properly or failing to report a minor leak, the cost may fall on you.

Given that you've found it behind a wardrobe, it's highly likely there's a hidden condensation issue or a slow leak from the AC drain line. The fastest and most definitive way to resolve this is to get a professional inspection. We use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact source of the moisture—without this, any cleaning is just temporary. We also conduct air and surface sampling to identify the mold species, which is crucial for understanding the health risks, especially with children involved.

For your children's health and to properly document the issue for your landlord, I strongly recommend a certified inspection. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an assessment. We can provide a official report you can present to your building management to clearly establish responsibility.