Who pays for mold remediation in a Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page

Based on UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is typically responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. This includes addressing issues related to the building's envelope, such as water ingress from external leaks or seepage through walls, which is a very common cause of the mold you're describing, especially post-heavy rains.

The key factor is the source of the moisture. If the dampness is due to an external structural defect, like a leaking pipe within the wall, a crack in the building facade, or faulty waterproofing on the balcony above, the financial and organizational responsibility for remediation falls squarely on the landlord. Your landlord's claim about ventilation is a common deflection, but in a climate like Dubai's, where windows are often closed due to heat and sand, relying solely on ventilation is not a reasonable or permanent solution to a persistent water intrusion issue.

However, if the moisture is proven to be a direct result of tenant negligence, like an internal water leak from an appliance you installed that was left unresolved, then the tenant could be liable.

Given that the patch is growing and the musty smell is strong, this indicates an active moisture source that needs professional diagnosis. We strongly recommend you formally request a professional mold inspection from a certified company like ours. The inspection report will definitively identify the moisture source, which determines liability. Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize spores and exacerbate the problem.

For a definitive assessment and to get the proper documentation for your landlord, call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.