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

We've lived in our apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle for two years and just noticed a large patch of black mold spreading from behind our bedroom wardrobe. It must have been there a while, hidden by the furniture, and the recent humidity has made it much worse. I'm worried about our health and the damage to our clothes. Who is responsible for fixing this and the cost, me as the tenant or my landlord?
Posted by Charles Harris
Asked on April 7, 2026 8:15 am
Based on the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007) and subsequent regulations, the responsibility for mold remediation is typically determined by the source of the moisture.

The landlord is legally responsible for fixing the underlying cause of the mold if it originates from a structural or maintenance-related defect. This includes issues like leaking pipes within the walls, faulty air conditioning ductwork causing condensation, cracks in the building envelope allowing water ingress, or defective waterproofing. In your case, as the mold is spreading from behind a wardrobe on an external wall, the primary cause is likely persistent condensation due to the wall's temperature differential with the humid outdoor air, a common issue in JVC. This is often considered a building envelope issue, placing the responsibility on the landlord to rectify the cause.

However, as the tenant, you are responsible for the cost of remediation for mold growth resulting from your own actions, such as inadequate ventilation, failing to use the AC to control humidity, or not reporting a minor leak in a timely manner. The extensive hidden growth suggests a long-term issue that may point to a structural cause.

Given the extent of the spread you describe, a professional inspection is critical. Our certified inspectors at Saniservice use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to accurately identify the hidden source of moisture, which is essential for determining liability. We provide a detailed report that can be used to formally liaise with your landlord or building management.

For immediate advice and to schedule a definitive inspection to protect your health and property, please call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Do not attempt to remove it yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize toxic spores and exacerbate the health risk.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 10, 2026 6:31 am