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

In the UAE, landlord-tenant responsibilities for mold are typically governed by the rental contract and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended). The general principle is that the landlord is responsible for the structural integrity and maintenance of the property's main components, including the building envelope, plumbing, and AC systems. The tenant is responsible for maintaining the interior cleanliness and reporting issues in a timely manner.

Your situation in Jumeirah Village Circle is a common consequence of Dubai's high humidity. The mold behind the wardrobe is likely due to condensation, where cold air from the AC unit meets the warm, humid air penetrating the wall, creating a perfect breeding ground for spores. The critical factor is determining the root cause. If the mold is a result of a pre-existing construction defect, such as inadequate insulation, a leaking pipe within the wall, or a faulty external sealant that allows moisture ingress, the financial responsibility falls on the landlord to remediate the damage and fix the underlying issue.

However, if the cause is attributed to tenant behavior—such as inadequate ventilation, not using the AC to control humidity, or placing furniture directly against external walls—you could be held liable for the cleanup costs.

Given the spread you've described, a professional inspection is essential. Our certified mold inspectors at Saniservice use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to definitively identify the source of the moisture without destructive testing. This technical report is crucial evidence for determining liability with your landlord. Do not attempt to clean significant mold growth yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize toxins and exacerbate the problem.

For a definitive assessment and to discuss your case, we strongly recommend you contact our specialists. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.