Who is responsible for black mold on bedroom wall?« Back to Previous Page

The wall behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom in Jumeirah has a bunch of black spots that have gotten way worse since last month's humidity. My landlord is saying it's our fault for not ventilating properly, but we run the AC constantly. Who is actually responsible for fixing this and paying for the remediation, us or the building owner?
Posted by Ashley King
Asked on May 5, 2026 7:05 am
Under Dubai's tenancy laws, the landlord is typically responsible for fixing structural issues like mold on walls, especially if it's due to building envelope defects or faulty AC installation. Your constant AC use actually helps mitigate humidity, so this points to a pre-existing problem like inadequate insulation, a hidden pipe leak, or an AC unit not draining properly.

The recent high humidity accelerates growth, but it exposes the underlying moisture issue. Document the mold's spread with dated photos and note your AC usage. For a definitive cause, a professional inspection is needed to identify the moisture source—this report is key for liability.

If the inspection confirms the mold stems from a building defect (like a leaking wall pipe or poor insulation), the landlord is responsible for remediation. If the cause is tenant negligence (like never using AC or blocking vents), you might be liable. Since you run the AC, the former is more likely.

For serious, recurring, or widespread mold, a certified mold inspection with lab analysis of the species is recommended. This provides concrete evidence of the source and type, which is crucial for discussions with your landlord and for ensuring the remediation method is appropriate for the specific mold present.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 6, 2026 3:48 am