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

We've lived in our Jumeirah apartment for 2 years and just noticed a patch of black mold spreading from behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom. It must have been growing for a while, hidden by the furniture. We run the AC constantly, but the room always feels a bit damp. Is my landlord responsible for arranging and paying for a professional mold inspection, or is this on me as the tenant?
Posted by Barbara Anderson
Asked on March 14, 2026 1:20 pm
Based on UAE rental law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai, the responsibility for maintenance is clearly divided. The landlord is obligated to maintain the property and undertake all necessary repairs for the main parts of the building, including the structure, foundations, and common areas.

The presence of mold spreading from behind a fixed wardrobe is a significant indicator of a potential underlying issue, such as a hidden water leak from plumbing within the walls or a severe condensation problem related to the building's envelope. Since this is not due to your daily activities (like cooking or showering without ventilation) but rather a persistent dampness you've noted despite constant AC use, this typically points to a structural or systemic fault. Therefore, the responsibility for investigating and remedying the cause of the mold falls upon the landlord.

However, you must formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue immediately. Provide clear photographs and detail the persistent damp conditions. This officially puts the onus on them to act. They should arrange and pay for a professional inspection to identify the moisture source.

In Dubai's climate, with its high humidity and year-round reliance on AC, hidden condensation issues are common. A patch of black mold of this nature suggests a serious, ongoing moisture problem that requires expert diagnosis. Simply cleaning the visible mold is insufficient and potentially hazardous without addressing the root cause.

For a comprehensive assessment, I strongly recommend a professional mold inspection from a company like Saniservice. Their certified inspectors use tools like thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact source of moisture behind the walls without destructive probing. They can provide a detailed report that you can present to your landlord, outlining the cause and the necessary remediation steps. For immediate assistance, you can call them at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 16, 2026 5:59 pm