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

Determining responsibility for mold remediation in a Dubai rental is a common yet complex issue, heavily dependent on the source of the moisture. As a certified specialist in the UAE, the primary factor we establish during an inspection is whether the mold growth is due to a structural defect or a tenant's lifestyle habit.

Under typical tenancy laws, the landlord is legally responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity. If our investigation reveals the moisture ingress is from a leaking pipe within the wall, faulty window sealing, inadequate insulation, or a construction defect that allowed the recent heavy dew to penetrate (a common issue in Jumeirah's older villas), the landlord bears the cost for both the mold remediation and the repair of the wall. The damp smell on your clothes suggests a persistent issue beyond simple lack of ventilation.

However, if the mold is solely attributed to condensation from inadequate ventilation—such as keeping a tightly sealed closet on an outer wall without air circulation—the tenant may be held responsible. Dubai's high humidity and year-round AC use create significant temperature differentials, leading to condensation on cold surfaces, which is a tenant maintenance issue.

We strongly recommend a professional inspection to determine the exact cause. Our certified inspectors use moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras, and air quality tests to provide an irrefutable technical report on the moisture source. This report is crucial for any discussion with your landlord or potential Dubai Rental Dispute Centre proceedings.

For a definitive assessment and a legally valid report, please contact our team at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive inspection.