Who is responsible for black mold, tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

We’ve lived in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for two years and just noticed a huge patch of black mold spreading from behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom. It’s been extra humid lately and I’m worried it’s been growing there for a while. Who is responsible for handling this and the cost of repairs, me as the tenant or my landlord?
Posted by Akiko Choi
Asked on April 3, 2026 1:44 pm
The responsibility for black mold remediation in a Dubai apartment, such as in Jumeirah Village Circle, is typically dictated by the cause of the moisture, as outlined in standard tenancy contracts and Dubai Land Department regulations.

As the tenant, you are responsible for maintaining the property through regular cleaning and ensuring adequate ventilation to prevent condensation, a common issue in our humid climate exacerbated by year-round AC use. This includes not blocking AC vents with furniture and periodically airing out rooms.

However, the landlord is unequivocally responsible for the structural integrity of the building and the maintenance of all fixed installations. The mold spreading from behind the wardrobe strongly suggests a hidden leak in the wall, a faulty pipe, or water seepage through the building envelope. These are structural issues that fall under the landlord's purview, including the cost of repairs and the subsequent mold remediation.

Given the extent you've described ("huge patch"), a professional inspection is critical. We must identify the exact moisture source and assess the contamination level, as hidden growth within wall cavities is a serious health and structural hazard. DIY attempts often disturb spores, spreading contamination.

For a definitive assessment and to ensure the remediation is handled correctly per Dubai Municipality standards, I recommend contacting our specialists. We can provide a formal report to present to your landlord, clearly outlining the cause and the required corrective actions.

Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive inspection with Saniservice.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 6, 2026 7:41 am