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

Based on UAE rental law, specifically Law No. 26 of 2007, the responsibility for mold treatment in a rental apartment is determined by the source of the problem. The landlord is legally obligated to maintain the property's structural integrity. Therefore, if the black mold in your JVC closet is a result of a structural issue, such as water seepage from an external wall leak, inadequate insulation, or faulty construction that promotes condensation, the financial and remedial responsibility falls on the landlord.

However, as the tenant, you are responsible for maintaining the property in a hygienic condition and for any damage caused by your negligence. If the mold growth is a direct result of tenant behavior—such as inadequate ventilation, failing to use the provided AC system to control humidity, or blocking ventilation grilles—you could be held liable for the cost of remediation.

Given the specific details—its location on an external wall and correlation with high humidity—this strongly suggests an underlying moisture intrusion or condensation issue, which is a structural concern. The Dubai climate, with its extreme humidity and the necessity of year-round AC operation, often exacerbates these building envelope flaws.

We strongly recommend you do not attempt to clean this yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize toxic spores. Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photos, and request a professional mold inspection. This will definitively identify the moisture source and determine liability.

For a certified inspection and remediation quote, we advise contacting our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Our team can provide a comprehensive assessment that clearly identifies the cause, which is essential for resolving the responsibility issue with your landlord.