Who pays for mold inspection, tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai's climate, where high humidity and year-round air conditioning create a prime environment for mold growth, this is a very common and serious concern. The responsibility for a mold inspection is typically determined by the source of the moisture. Under UAE tenancy law, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. If the mold is a result of a structural issue, such as a leaking pipe within the walls, a crack in the building envelope, or faulty external waterproofing that is causing dampness, the landlord is unequivocally responsible for the investigation and remediation.

However, if the moisture source is determined to be tenant-related—such as excessive condensation from not using AC appropriately, drying clothes indoors, or lack of ventilation behind furniture—the tenant may be held liable for the costs. The black spots behind your ground-floor apartment's wardrobe in Jumeirah are a major red flag. Ground-floor units are particularly susceptible to rising damp, which is a structural landlord issue.

Given the health symptoms you've described, a professional inspection is critical to identify the species and root cause. DIY tests are unreliable. We use thermal imaging cameras, moisture meters, and borescopes to locate hidden moisture and then take air and surface samples for lab analysis to identify the specific mold type, which dictates the remediation protocol.

I strongly recommend you contact your landlord immediately, inform them of the potential structural dampness and health concerns, and request a professional inspection. For an immediate and certified assessment, you can call our specialists at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Saniservice's detailed report will definitively identify the moisture source, determining financial responsibility and the necessary scope of work to make your home safe again.