Is mold inspection a landlord or tenant responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our master bedroom has been leaking a bit for the last few weeks, and now I'm seeing small black spots growing on the back of the wardrobe that's against the wall. We've lived in this Jumeirah Village Triangle villa for a year without issues until now. Is getting a professional mold inspection the landlord's responsibility to fix, or is this on me as the tenant to handle?
Posted by Kayla Thompson
Asked on March 23, 2026 4:13 pm
Based on Dubai's climate and tenancy laws, the responsibility for a mold inspection and remediation typically falls on the landlord. The persistent AC leakage you describe is a maintenance issue concerning the property's structure and installed systems, which is the landlord's obligation to rectify under Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended), known as the Dubai Rental Law. The resulting mold growth on the wardrobe is a direct consequence of that unresolved maintenance problem.

The high humidity and constant AC use in Dubai create a perfect environment for mold when a moisture source like a leak is present. The small black spots indicate an active colony, and its location behind furniture suggests a more widespread issue within the wall cavity that requires professional assessment. A certified mold inspection is crucial to determine the full extent of the contamination, identify the mold species, and create a proper remediation protocol. DIY attempts often disturb the spores, leading to greater spread and potential health risks.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the AC leak and the subsequent mold growth, giving them a reasonable timeframe to address it. If they are unresponsive, you may reference your rights under the rental law.

For a definitive assessment and to ensure the remediation is handled correctly, I recommend contacting a specialist like Saniservice. Our certified inspectors use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the moisture source and take air and surface samples to identify the contamination level. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive inspection and receive a report that can be provided to your landlord.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 25, 2026 10:31 am