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

Based on my experience with hundreds of mold cases in Dubai rentals, the responsibility for remediation costs hinges on the source of the moisture.

Landlords are unequivocally responsible for addressing mold issues stemming from structural defects. In your case, the fact that the mold is on an external wall in Jumeirah, a coastal area with high humidity, is a major red flag. This strongly suggests a potential building envelope failure—perhaps a leaking pipe within the wall, faulty external waterproofing, or inadequate insulation leading to condensation within the wall cavity itself. Under UAE tenancy law, the landlord is obligated to maintain the property's structure and ensure it is habitable. If our professional inspection confirms the moisture source is a structural defect, the remediation cost falls entirely on the landlord.

Tenant responsibility typically applies only if the moisture is a direct result of negligence, like failing to use the AC or report a visible leak for an extended period. However, simply running the AC is not always sufficient; it must be maintained and set to an appropriate temperature to effectively manage humidity.

Given the hidden nature of the mold and its location on an external wall, a professional inspection with thermal imaging and moisture meters is absolutely critical to determine the exact cause. This evidence is what you will need to present to your landlord.

For a definitive assessment and a detailed report that holds up with property management, I recommend you call our team at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We can identify the source and provide the documentation required to resolve the liability issue with your landlord.