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

Based on the UAE Civil Code and standard tenancy contract terms, the responsibility for mold in a rental property is typically shared but depends heavily on the root cause.

As a tenant, you are responsible for maintaining the property through adequate ventilation (like running AC consistently, even when away) and promptly reporting any issues like leaks or condensation. The recent high humidity means you should absolutely be using a dehumidifier or your AC's dry mode in that closet to manage moisture levels.

However, the landlord is legally obligated to provide a habitable property and is responsible for structural defects, faulty installations, and pre-existing issues. The black spots on the back wall you describe are a major red flag. This is often indicative of a hidden leak from a pipe in the wall or, more critically, water ingress from the building envelope itself – a structural problem. The damp smell on your clothes confirms an active moisture source.

You must formally notify your landlord/property management in writing immediately. They are required to investigate and rectify any structural or maintenance-related cause. Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as improper remediation can spread spores and make the problem worse. This situation warrants a professional inspection to identify the exact moisture source and extent of the growth.

For a definitive assessment and to document the issue for your landlord, I recommend a certified mold inspection. Call our team at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule one. We can identify the cause and provide a report outlining the necessary remediation steps, which your landlord should cover.