Who is responsible for mold inspection in a Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page

Based on UAE rental law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the property in a habitable condition, which includes addressing structural issues that lead to mold, such as water leaks or seepage from faulty plumbing or external walls.

However, the initial discovery determines the course of action. Since you found the mold behind a wardrobe pushed against the wall, this strongly suggests a pre-existing moisture issue within the wall structure itself, like a hidden pipe leak or inadequate insulation – a clear landlord responsibility. The constant high humidity you mention, despite using a dehumidifier, further points to a systemic building issue rather than a tenant-caused problem like occasional condensation.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing (email is best), detailing the issue and including clear photographs of the mold. They are legally obligated to investigate and rectify the source of the moisture. The inspection to identify the root cause absolutely falls under their purview and cost. A professional inspection is critical here, as simply cleaning the visible mold is ineffective if the moisture source isn't eliminated.

For a situation like this with health symptoms involved, we strongly recommend a certified inspection to assess the extent and type of mold. You can call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) to discuss the next steps and provide a report that can be presented to your landlord, clearly outlining the cause and required remediation.