Who is responsible for mold remediation, tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

Based on UAE Civil Code and common tenancy law provisions, the responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is typically determined by the source of the moisture.

The landlord is legally responsible for the structural integrity of the property. This includes repairing leaks from the building's plumbing, roofing, external walls, or, crucially in your case, the central AC system. If a professional inspection confirms the mold is a direct result of a faulty AC unit or a leak from an adjacent apartment, the landlord is obligated to address both the source of the leak and the resulting mold damage.

However, tenant responsibility arises if the moisture issue is due to occupant behavior. In Dubai's humid climate, this includes failing to use the AC adequately to control humidity, not using exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, drying clothes indoors, or failing to report a minor leak in a timely manner, allowing the mold to proliferate.

Given your description of mold behind a wardrobe on an external wall, a leaking AC condensate drain line is a highly probable cause. This falls under the landlord's maintenance purview. Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photos, and request a professional mold inspection. Do not attempt to clean significant mold growth yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize spores and worsen contamination.

For a definitive assessment and legally valid report to present to your landlord, I recommend a certified inspection from a company like Saniservice. They can identify the exact moisture source and species of mold, which is critical for determining liability and the correct remediation protocol. You can reach them for a consultation at 800-MOLDS or hello@saniservice.com.