Who is responsible for mold remediation, landlord or tenant?« Back to Previous Page

Our master bedroom in our Jumeirah Village Triangle apartment has felt damp for a couple of months, and we just found black speckled mold behind the wardrobe. My husband has had a constant stuffy nose and headaches that seem to clear up when he's at the office all day. Who is responsible for arranging and paying for the proper mold remediation here, the building management or us as tenants?
Posted by Thomas Robinson
Asked on March 8, 2026 3:46 pm
Excellent and very common question here in Dubai. This situation, particularly the health symptoms you're describing, absolutely warrants immediate professional attention.

Determining responsibility for mold remediation in a UAE tenancy hinges on the source of the moisture, which dictates liability. According to standard Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007) and the tenancy contract's implied warranty of habitability, the landlord is responsible for the structural integrity and maintenance of the property. This includes fixing issues like leaking AC units, faulty plumbing within the walls, or seepage from the building envelope that lead to dampness and mold.

However, the tenant is responsible for maintaining the property in a clean and habitable condition. If the mold is a direct result of tenant negligence—such as failing to use the AC for dehumidification, not reporting a minor leak promptly, or creating excessive moisture (e.g., from indoor drying of laundry without ventilation)—then the cost of remediation could fall to the tenant.

In your case at JVT, the location behind a wardrobe is a classic sign of a condensation issue, often exacerbated by poor ventilation and the high ambient humidity, making it a building-related problem. Your husband's health symptoms are a significant red flag that this is a serious air quality issue.

My strong recommendation: Do not attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing it can aerosolize spores. You need a certified mold inspection to identify the exact moisture source and species of mold, which will definitively assign responsibility. This report is crucial for discussions with your landlord or building management.

Call us immediately for a professional assessment. We can identify the cause, provide a definitive report for your landlord, and execute the necessary remediation safely.

Call 800-MOLDS or 800-66537 or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 10, 2026 12:02 pm