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

We've been in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for about a year and just noticed a patch of black mold in the corner of our master bedroom closet. It seems to be growing from the wall, and it's gotten worse since last week's heavy humidity. I'm worried about my toddler's allergies flaring up, but I'm not sure if this is something I should fix myself or if it's my landlord's responsibility to handle. Who is legally responsible for mold remediation in a rental here, especially if it's a structural dampness issue?
Posted by Emma Van Dijk
Asked on March 24, 2026 10:37 pm
Based on UAE Civil Code and the standard Ejari tenancy contract, the responsibility for mold remediation hinges on the source of the problem.

If the mold is a result of a structural defect, such as a leaking pipe within the walls, a faulty AC unit, or water ingress from the building envelope (a common issue here after heavy humidity), then the financial and remedial responsibility falls squarely on the landlord. They are obligated to maintain the property in a habitable condition.

However, if the dampness is caused by tenant behavior – like inadequate ventilation, drying clothes indoors, or failing to use the AC to control humidity – then the cost of remediation would be the tenant's responsibility.

Given your description of it being in a closet and worsening after high humidity, a structural or AC-related leak is a strong possibility. For a toddler's health and to properly identify the moisture source, a professional inspection is absolutely critical. DIY attempts can disturb the spores and exacerbate the allergy issue. We can perform a comprehensive assessment to pinpoint the exact cause and provide a detailed report for your landlord, which is often necessary to enforce your rights.

For immediate advice and to schedule an inspection, please call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com. Don't risk your family's health with guesswork.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 26, 2026 10:32 pm