Is mold testing my landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Our AC unit in the bedroom has been leaking a bit, and now I'm seeing these small black spots spreading on the wall behind the curtain. My allergies have been terrible for the past month and I'm starting to worry it's mold. Is it my landlord's responsibility to arrange and pay for professional mold testing, or is that on me as the tenant?
Posted by William Lee
Asked on March 18, 2026 12:41 am
Based on the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007) and subsequent regulations, the responsibility for major maintenance and structural repairs falls squarely on the landlord. This includes issues with the building's core systems, such as the central AC unit and the structural integrity of the walls. Since the black spots are a direct result of a leaking AC unit—a fixture provided by the landlord—this is considered a maintenance issue under their purview.

Your first step should be to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the leak and the suspected mold growth. They are obligated to address the root cause (repairing the AC leak) and the resulting damage. This includes arranging for professional mold inspection and testing to determine the extent of the contamination. A proper inspection involves more than a visual check; it includes moisture mapping and air quality testing to identify spore types and concentration levels, which is crucial given your allergy symptoms.

However, if the landlord is unresponsive or refuses to act, you may need to escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai. For your health and safety, I strongly recommend not delaying. Prolonged exposure, especially with allergic reactions, can lead to more serious health issues.

To get a definitive assessment and a report you can present to your landlord, our certified team can perform a comprehensive inspection. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an appointment.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 20, 2026 3:01 am