Who pays for mold inspection in Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, which regulates the relationship between landlords and tenants, the responsibility for maintenance falls upon the landlord for the main structure of the property, including the exterior walls and central AC systems. The black speckled mold you describe growing on an exterior wall closet is a strong indicator of a potential building envelope issue, such as water infiltration through the wall or faulty insulation, which is the landlord's legal responsibility to rectify.

However, the landlord's argument about ventilation is not without merit. Dubai's extreme humidity, especially during summer months, necessitates continuous climate control. While running the AC is crucial, it must be set to a sufficiently low temperature to effectively remove humidity from the air. Simply having the AC on, if set too high, can lead to condensation on cold surfaces like exterior walls, creating the perfect environment for mold growth.

Given this potential overlap of causes, the first step is a professional mold inspection. A certified inspector will conduct a visual assessment, moisture mapping, and air quality testing to determine the precise source of the moisture—whether it's an internal condensation issue or an external leak. This evidence-based report is critical for determining liability.

In practice, the party responsible for the underlying cause of the moisture is typically responsible for the cost of the inspection and subsequent remediation. To resolve this dispute definitively, we recommend you commission a professional assessment. Our team at Saniservice is certified to provide this service and can deliver a comprehensive report that clearly identifies the moisture source. For immediate assistance, please call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.