Is landlord responsible for mold inspection in Dubai villa?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in our Jumeirah villa for 2 years and just noticed a bunch of black spots spreading along the corner of our bedroom wall. It's right behind the wardrobe, and with all this humidity lately, it seems to be getting worse. What's the best way to get a proper mold inspection done here, and does anyone know if this is something the landlord is legally required to handle?
Posted by Anthony Hill
Asked on March 17, 2026 4:06 am
Based on the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007) and its amendments, the responsibility for maintenance falls on the landlord, provided the tenant has not caused the damage through negligence. Mold resulting from a pre-existing structural issue, such as a hidden water leak in the wall, a faulty external seal, or inadequate insulation leading to condensation, is unequivocally the landlord's responsibility to rectify. This includes the required inspection to diagnose the root cause.

However, the UAE's high humidity, especially during summer months, combined with year-round AC use, can create significant condensation issues. Tenant behavior, such as obstructing airflow with furniture (like your wardrobe), failing to use exhaust fans, or not maintaining a consistent AC temperature to control humidity, can be argued as contributing factors. In such cases, liability may be shared.

For a definitive answer, a professional inspection is critical. A certified mold inspector, like those at Saniservice, will conduct a comprehensive assessment. This includes moisture mapping with thermal imaging to locate the source of water intrusion, air and surface sampling to identify the mold species and spore count, and a detailed report outlining the cause and scope of remediation. This report is a vital document that establishes factual, scientific evidence to determine liability between tenant and landlord.

For a proper inspection to protect your interests, I recommend contacting our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a diagnostic assessment.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 20, 2026 1:19 am