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

In the UAE, the responsibility for black mold (typically Stachybotrys chartarum or other toxigenic species) in a rental property is primarily determined by the cause, as outlined in standard tenancy contract clauses and Dubai rental law.

Your first step is to immediately notify your landlord or property management company in writing, detailing the issue with photographs. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize harmful mycotoxins. Under Dubai Law, the landlord is generally responsible for the structural integrity of the property and addressing issues arising from inherent building faults. This includes leaks in external walls, faulty AC drainage systems, or inadequate insulation leading to condensation—common culprits in Jumeirah Village Circle due to our high humidity and year-round AC use, which creates significant temperature differentials and condensation points.

However, if the mold is conclusively proven to be a direct result of tenant negligence—such as chronic failure to use the AC for dehumidification, blocking ventilation grilles, or creating moisture through activities without proper exhaust—the cost of remediation could fall to you.

Given the description of a spreading patch and a strong musty odor, this indicates an active moisture source and a potentially serious infestation behind the wall. A professional inspection is absolutely critical. Our certified inspectors use thermal imaging cameras to identify hidden moisture sources and conduct air and surface sampling to speciate the mold and determine the spore count, which is essential for planning an effective remediation strategy and establishing liability.

For a definitive assessment and to protect your health and tenancy rights, I recommend you contact our team for a comprehensive inspection. Call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a survey.