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

Excellent question, and a very common point of confusion for tenants here in Dubai. Based on your description of the location—an exterior wall in a Jumeirah apartment that's worsened with humidity—this is a classic case we see.

Under the standard Ejari tenancy contract, the responsibility for mold remediation hinges on the source of the moisture. If the mold is a result of a structural issue, such as water infiltration from a leaking pipe within the wall, a faulty AC condensation drain line, or inadequate external waterproofing/insulation (common with the building envelope here), then the financial responsibility falls squarely on the landlord to rectify the underlying cause and the resulting mold. The landlord is obligated to provide a habitable property under Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007.

However, if the moisture source is determined to be tenant-related, such as lack of ventilation, drying wet clothes indoors, or failing to use the AC to control humidity, the tenant would likely be responsible for the cleanup costs.

Given that it's on an exterior wall and correlated with high humidity, a structural or AC issue is highly probable. Your worsening allergies are a significant health red flag; this isn't just cosmetic.

My strong recommendation is to not attempt cleaning it yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize spores and exacerbate your allergies. You need a professional inspection to identify the exact moisture source. This is critical for determining liability. We use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the origin definitively.

First, notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately, detailing the issue. Then, for a certified assessment and official report to present to them, call our team at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We can document the cause and provide the remediation quote they will likely require.