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

My kids have been coughing more than usual and I’m starting to suspect it’s because of a black, speckled patch I just found behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom in Jumeirah. We’ve been in this rental for almost a year and it wasn’t there during the last inspection. Who is responsible for getting a professional mold inspection done and paying for it, me or my landlord?
Posted by Malgorzata Bernard
Asked on March 31, 2026 7:35 pm
Based on the circumstances you've described, particularly the visible mold growth and the health symptoms, this is a serious situation that requires immediate professional attention.

In Dubai, the responsibility for maintenance and repairs, which includes rectifying issues like mold that affect the habitability of the property, generally falls on the landlord. This is outlined in the standard tenancy contract governed by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA). The landlord is obligated to provide a property that is safe and in good condition. Since the mold was not present at the time of the last inspection and has developed during your tenancy, the next step is crucial.

You must formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue immediately. Provide clear photographs of the mold and detail the health concerns. The landlord is then responsible for investigating and resolving the underlying cause, which is likely a hidden plumbing leak or condensation issue exacerbated by our high humidity and year-round AC use. However, the inspection to identify the source of the moisture is a landlord cost.

For a situation involving health symptoms and visible growth, a professional inspection is non-negotiable. DIY tests are unreliable. A certified inspector will conduct air and surface sampling to identify the mold species (crucial for understanding toxicity) and, most importantly, use tools like thermal imaging and moisture meters to locate the hidden moisture source that must be fixed.

We strongly recommend you contact a professional firm like Saniservice. Our certified experts can provide a comprehensive inspection report that documents the extent of the contamination and its cause, which you can then present to your landlord to expedite the necessary remediation. Do not delay; for your family's health, call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an assessment.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 2, 2026 3:14 am