Who pays for mold inspection in a Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page

Based on UAE Civil Code and the Dubai Rental Law, the responsibility for structural maintenance, which includes issues arising from the building's fabric such as faulty air conditioning systems, poor insulation, or water seepage that leads to mold growth, falls squarely on the landlord. As a tenant, you are responsible for maintaining the property in a clean and habitable condition, but only to the extent of your usage.

The key factor is the source of the moisture. The black speckles in your Marina closet, exacerbated by the recent high humidity, strongly suggest a condensation issue. This is a very common problem in Dubai due to our extreme climate, where the constant cycling of air conditioning against high external humidity can cause condensation in poorly insulated areas, like perimeter walls behind closets. If the inspection determines the cause is a lack of adequate insulation, a leaking AC drain pipe within the wall, or a structural defect allowing moisture ingress, the landlord is legally obligated to address the root cause and the resultant damage, including the cost of a professional inspection to determine liability.

However, if the inspection were to find the cause was tenant-related, such as a lack of ventilation or a water spill, the cost would fall to you. Given the spread you've described, this is not a simple surface cleaning issue. A professional inspection is critical to identify the moisture source and type of mold, which dictates the remediation protocol.

For a definitive assessment and a detailed report that can be used with your landlord, I recommend contacting a certified professional. Saniservice provides comprehensive mold inspections, including moisture mapping and air quality testing, to identify the exact cause and provide a legally sound report. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an investigation. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as improper handling can exacerbate the problem.