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

My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's from the black mold growing along the edges of our bedroom closet in our Jumeirah Village Triangle apartment. It's been spreading since the humidity really kicked in last month. I've told my landlord, but he says it's our fault for not ventilating properly and that we need to handle the cleanup. Who is legally responsible for treating this, especially when it's a potential health issue and seems to be coming from the building's structure?
Posted by Emily Garcia
Asked on March 19, 2026 12:54 pm
Based on UAE law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai, the landlord is unequivocally responsible for addressing structural issues that lead to mold infestation. The law mandates that the landlord must maintain the property to ensure it is habitable and undertake all necessary maintenance for the property's core structure. The black mold growth along your closet edges is a classic symptom of a persistent moisture issue, likely stemming from inadequate insulation, a leaking pipe within the wall, or rising damp—all of which are structural defects falling under the landlord's legal obligation.

While tenants are responsible for general day-to-day upkeep and ensuring proper ventilation, the extreme humidity in Dubai, combined with year-round AC use that can cause significant condensation, often exacerbates underlying structural problems. A landlord cannot simply blame ventilation for a recurring issue that is clearly spreading.

Given the health symptoms your children are experiencing, this is a serious matter. We strongly recommend you formally request, in writing, that the landlord arranges for a professional mold inspection. A certified inspector can identify the precise moisture source, assess the contamination level, and provide a definitive report on the cause, which is crucial for determining liability.

For an immediate professional assessment and remediation quote, please contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Our team is expert in diagnosing Dubai-specific mold issues and can provide the necessary documentation to support your case with the landlord.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 21, 2026 8:34 am