Who is responsible for mold in our Jumeirah apartment?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the conditions you've described, specifically the location of the mold growth behind furniture on an external wall in a high-humidity climate like Jumeirah, the responsibility for remediation most likely falls on the landlord or building management, not you as the tenant.

The primary issue appears to be a building envelope or latent defect, not tenant negligence. Your constant use of AC, which dehumidifies the air, is actually a mitigating factor, not a cause. The mold growth behind the wardrobe in a corner suggests a possible thermal bridge in the wall construction, where condensation forms unseen due to the temperature difference between the cool interior and the hot, humid exterior. This is a common issue in Dubai's construction and is exacerbated during periods of high humidity. Poor external sealing or minor water intrusion from the building façade could also be the source.

Under UAE rental law, the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. This includes addressing issues related to the building's construction that lead to dampness and mold. A tenant's responsibility is typically limited to issues arising from their own misuse or failure to maintain adequate ventilation, which your AC use demonstrates you are doing.

However, to definitively determine liability and the exact moisture source, a professional inspection is critical. Our certified mold assessors use tools like thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to identify the precise cause—whether it's condensation, a leak, or rising damp—and produce a report that can be used to formally establish responsibility with the landlord.

For a proper assessment and to ensure the remediation is handled correctly to prevent recurrence, I strongly recommend you contact our team. Call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive inspection.