Landlord responsible for mold in rental apartment?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the UAE Civil Code and standard tenancy contract provisions in Dubai, the responsibility for rectifying mold issues in a rental property is typically determined by the source of the problem.

The landlord is legally obligated to provide a habitable property and is responsible for the structural integrity of the building. If the mold growth is a result of a structural defect, such as a leaking pipe within the walls, a faulty AC drainage system in the central chiller unit, or water ingress from a seepage in the building envelope, the remediation cost falls on the landlord. The persistent high humidity and condensation issues inherent to Dubai's climate, especially in coastal areas like Marina, can exacerbate these underlying problems when combined with year-round AC use.

However, tenant responsibilities include maintaining adequate ventilation and reporting issues promptly. Mold growth caused by a tenant's actions, such as blocking AC vents, failing to ventilate bathrooms, or overcrowding closets, which restricts airflow and creates microclimates of high humidity, could make the tenant liable for the cleanup costs.

Given that you have found a hidden patch and your children are exhibiting respiratory symptoms, a professional inspection is strongly advised. A certified inspector can perform moisture mapping and air quality testing to definitively identify the moisture source. This technical report is crucial evidence to determine liability.

Do not attempt to remove it yourself, as disturbing the colony can aerosolize spores and worsen the indoor air quality. For a definitive assessment and to protect your family's health, I recommend contacting our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive inspection. We can provide the necessary documentation to present to your landlord if the issue is determined to be structural.