Who is responsible for mold remediation in Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai, the responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is primarily governed by the terms of your tenancy contract and Law No. 26 of 2007, known as the Dubai Rental Law. The general principle is that the landlord is responsible for the maintenance of the main structure of the property, including the building's central air conditioning system, plumbing, and fixtures that are not a result of tenant misuse.

The scenario you describe—an AC unit leaking inside a closet—is a critical issue. The landlord's claim that you are at fault for "not maintaining the AC" is only valid if the tenancy contract explicitly states that the tenant is responsible for the maintenance and servicing of the AC units. In most standard contracts for apartments in buildings like those in Marina, the maintenance of the central AC system (chiller) and its distribution components (like the fan coil unit in your closet) is the landlord's obligation. Your responsibility is typically limited to changing the air filters regularly.

The persistent leak has created a moisture source, and Dubai's high humidity provides the perfect environment for mold growth like the Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold) you've found. This is a serious indoor air quality issue that requires immediate professional attention.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord in writing about the leak and the resultant mold, citing your contractual rights. Given the potential health risks and property damage, it is highly advisable to engage a professional mold inspection company like Saniservice. A certified inspector will conduct air and surface sampling to identify the mold species and spore concentration, providing a detailed report that can be used to establish liability and the scope of required remediation.

For urgent professional assessment and to protect your health and belongings, I recommend you call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. They are experts in dealing with such cases in the UAE's unique climate and can provide the documentation needed to resolve the dispute with your landlord.