Is landlord responsible for mold behind sofa?« Back to Previous Page

In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is typically determined by the cause of the issue. Under the Dubai Rental Law, landlords are obligated to provide a habitable property and are responsible for addressing structural or maintenance-related defects. The mold behind your sofa in the Marina is highly likely a result of the persistent high humidity, a well-known challenge in Dubai's coastal areas, interacting with a potential hidden issue, such as a leaking pipe in the wall, faulty external waterproofing, or inadequate insulation causing condensation.

Given the description—black fuzzy patches, a pervasive damp smell, and its recent progression—this is not a minor surface issue you should attempt to fix yourself. DIY cleaning with bleach is ineffective and can aggravate the problem by releasing spores. This situation requires a professional inspection to accurately identify the moisture source and the extent of the contamination.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photos, and request a professional mold inspection and remediation. They need to engage a certified company like Saniservice to conduct a thorough assessment. Our experts use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact cause, which is crucial for a permanent fix. Simply cleaning the visible mold without addressing the underlying moisture will result in rapid regrowth.

For immediate advice and to schedule a professional inspection to document the issue for your landlord, I recommend you contact our team at Saniservice. Call us at 800-66537 or email hello@saniservice.com. We can provide a detailed report that will be essential for your discussions with the property owner.