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

Based on Dubai's rental law and the typical terms of a standard tenancy contract, the responsibility for black mold remediation depends on the source of the moisture.

If the mold growth is due to a structural or maintenance-related issue with the property itself—such as a leaking pipe inside the wall, faulty air conditioning unit drip pans or drainage, water seepage from an external wall, or a leak from an adjacent apartment—then the responsibility for investigation and remediation falls squarely on the landlord. They are obligated to provide a habitable property and address defects that are not caused by the tenant.

However, tenant liability can come into play if the mold is a direct result of occupant behavior. In the climate of Dubai, where extreme humidity is managed by year-round AC, actions like consistently turning off the AC for prolonged periods, blocking AC vents with furniture, or creating conditions of poor air circulation (e.g., overfilling closets and not allowing air to flow) can lead to condensation and mold growth, which may be considered negligence.

Your situation—finding mold hidden in a closet with a constantly running dehumidifier—strongly suggests an underlying issue. The persistent dampness points to a potential leak or, more commonly, an AC system that is not properly dehumidifying the space, which is a landlord maintenance item.

We strongly recommend you immediately inform your landlord in writing and request a professional mold inspection. DIY assessment is insufficient as it won't identify the hidden moisture source. A certified inspector, like our team at Saniservice, will use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact cause and provide a legally valid report to determine liability.

For a definitive diagnosis and to resolve this health hazard, call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive inspection.