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

This is a very common and serious issue we see in Dubai, especially given our high humidity levels and the prevalence of AC-related condensation problems. From a technical standpoint, the responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is typically determined by the source of the moisture.

Under standard UAE tenancy contracts, the landlord is legally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. Since the mold growth originated from a leaking AC unit—a fixed installation—the onus is on your landlord to rectify the source of the leak and conduct the subsequent mold remediation. The tenant's responsibility is generally limited to reporting issues in a timely manner and maintaining good ventilation.

However, simply wiping the visible mold is insufficient and hazardous. Disturbing it releases millions of spores into the air, which is likely exacerbating your children's respiratory symptoms. The hidden mold within the wall cavity is the real concern. This requires professional assessment with tools like moisture meters and borescopes to determine the full extent, followed by containment, HEPA filtration, and antimicrobial application to properly remediate.

Given the health symptoms present, this is a serious case. I strongly recommend you immediately contact your landlord in writing, detailing the issue and its suspected link to the previous AC leak. Request both a professional mold inspection and that they cover the associated medical consultation costs for your children. For your family's health, do not delay.

For a certified inspection and remediation quote, you can call our specialists at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We can provide a detailed report you can submit to your landlord.