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

The wall behind our sofa in the living room of our Marina apartment has these growing black speckles, and it’s been slowly spreading since the humidity really kicked in a couple of months ago. We’ve wiped it down with bleach but it just comes back worse, and I'm worried about my toddler's allergies. Who is legally responsible for dealing with this kind of persistent mold issue, me as the tenant or the landlord, and what’s the first step I should take?
Posted by Layla Farah
Asked on April 4, 2026 2:29 am
Based on UAE rental law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. This includes addressing underlying issues that cause persistent mold, such as leaks in the building envelope, faulty plumbing, or inadequate waterproofing. As a tenant, you are responsible for maintaining cleanliness and reporting any such issues promptly.

The situation you describe in your Marina apartment is a classic case of condensation-driven mold growth, exacerbated by Dubai's high humidity and constant air conditioning use. The wall behind the sofa is likely a cold spot where moisture from the air is condensing, creating the perfect environment for mold. Wiping with bleach is a common but ineffective remedy; it only removes surface discoloration and does not address the moisture source or the hyphal roots within the material.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue, as this triggers their legal responsibility to investigate and rectify the underlying cause. Given that the mold has recurred and you have health concerns for your toddler, we strongly recommend a professional indoor environmental inspection. Our certified inspectors can conduct moisture mapping and air quality testing to identify the precise species and the root cause of the moisture, providing a definitive report that can be used to ensure the landlord completes the proper remediation.

For immediate advice and to schedule a professional assessment, please call our experts at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 5, 2026 5:51 pm