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

Our bedroom closet on the outside wall in our Jumeirah apartment has developed a large patch of black mold. It’s been getting worse since the heavy humidity started a couple of months ago, and our clothes are starting to smell. We've been renting this villa for three years without any issues before this. Who is legally responsible for dealing with this and paying for the remediation, us or the landlord?
Posted by Christopher Martin
Asked on April 11, 2026 5:45 am
In the UAE, the legal responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is primarily governed by the rental contract and the principle of "tenant maintenance" versus "structural maintenance" as per common tenancy law practices.

The landlord is typically responsible for the structural integrity of the property. This includes issues arising from inherent building defects, such as faulty waterproofing, leaking central AC ducts within the walls, or construction flaws that allow water ingress—common culprits in Jumeirah's older buildings. If the mold on your closet's exterior wall is a result of a hidden pipe leak or a crack in the building envelope, the financial responsibility for the investigation and repair falls on the landlord.

However, the tenant is responsible for maintenance related to their daily use and for ensuring proper ventilation. Dubai's extreme humidity, especially during summer months, requires tenants to operate AC units continuously to manage condensation and moisture buildup. A closet on an exterior wall is a classic cold spot where condensation can form if air circulation is poor, leading to mold growth. If the issue is deemed to be caused by inadequate ventilation or tenant-induced moisture (e.g., drying clothes indoors), the cost of cleaning and remediating the mold may be the tenant's responsibility. The persistent musty smell on your clothes indicates an active problem that requires immediate attention.

Given the size and persistence of the growth, a professional inspection is critical to determine the exact moisture source. We strongly recommend contacting a certified mold inspector from Saniservice. Our experts use thermal imaging and moisture meters to differentiate between a structural leak and condensation issues, providing a definitive report that can be used to establish liability with your landlord. For immediate consultation and to book an inspection, please call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 13, 2026 8:13 pm