Who is responsible for mold in my Dubai apartment?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for about a year, and I just found a patch of black mold in the back corner of the master bedroom wardrobe, hidden behind some storage boxes. It’s been really humid lately and that wall feels cold, almost like there might be a leak from outside or the AC unit. I’m worried about my health and the damage, but I’m not sure if this is something I’m supposed to handle myself or if it’s my landlord’s responsibility to fix the cause. Who is legally responsible for the mold remediation and repair in a rental here?
Posted by Michael Taylor
Asked on March 29, 2026 4:40 pm
Based on UAE rental law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the responsibility for mold remediation hinges on the source of the problem. As a tenant in JVC, your landlord is legally obligated to maintain the property's structural integrity. This includes fixing issues like a leaking pipe, faulty AC drainage, or water seepage through the external wall—which your description of a cold wall and recent humidity strongly suggests. The repair of that root cause is unequivocally the landlord's responsibility.

However, the cleanup of the mold growth itself can become a grey area. If the mold is a direct result of the landlord's failure to address a maintenance request in a timely manner, they should bear the full cost. But if the mold was exacerbated by tenant behavior—such as inadequate ventilation, blocking AC vents, or excessive moisture generation without using dehumidifiers—you could be held partially liable for the remediation.

Given the hidden location and potential for a structural leak, a DIY approach is strongly discouraged. Disturbing mold without proper containment can aerosolize spores, significantly worsening indoor air quality and health risks. Furthermore, without professional inspection and tools like moisture meters and thermal imaging, you cannot identify or prove the exact source to your landlord.

My urgent recommendation is to immediately document the mold with photos and formally notify your landlord/property management in writing. For a definitive assessment of the cause and scope, you need a professional mold inspection. Our certified inspectors can identify the moisture source, provide a detailed report for your landlord, and outline the necessary remediation protocol.

For immediate assistance, call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 31, 2026 11:27 pm