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

Based on Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, which regulates the relationship between landlords and tenants, the responsibility for mold remediation is determined by the source of the moisture. In a rental property, the landlord is legally obligated to maintain the structural integrity of the building. Therefore, if the black mold is a result of a structural issue, such as a leaking pipe, a faulty AC condensation drain line within the walls, or water seepage from the building envelope, the financial and remedial responsibility falls squarely on the landlord.

However, if the moisture issue is proven to be a direct result of tenant negligence—such as a failure to use the AC appropriately to control humidity, severe lack of ventilation, or damage to the property that allowed water ingress—the tenant may be held liable. The landlord's claim that running the AC "too high" causes mold is a common misconception; in Dubai's extreme climate, not running the AC sufficiently is the real problem, as it allows humidity to build up indoors, leading to condensation on cold surfaces.

Given your description of the mold spreading after a humid spell and its location on a ceiling, a professional inspection is critical. This will definitively identify the moisture source, whether it's internal condensation due to a lack of HVAC operation or an external leak. The inspection report serves as the key evidence for determining legal responsibility.

For an accurate assessment and to protect your family's health, I strongly recommend a certified mold inspection. Our team at Saniservice can identify the root cause and provide a detailed report. Please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.