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

My kids have been coughing more than usual, and I finally found patches of black mold in the closet of our master bedroom in our Marina apartment. It's been incredibly humid for the past few months, and I'm worried it's spread behind the walls. Who is responsible for arranging and paying for a proper mold inspection here, me as the tenant or my landlord?
Posted by Agnieszka Fischer
Asked on April 3, 2026 7:59 am
Based on UAE Civil Code and standard tenancy contract stipulations, the responsibility for addressing mold issues, including the initial inspection, typically falls upon the landlord. This is because the landlord is legally obligated to provide a habitable property that is free from structural defects and health hazards at the commencement of the tenancy. The persistent humidity common in Dubai, especially in coastal areas like Marina, often stems from underlying issues that are the landlord's responsibility to rectify, such as inadequate waterproofing, leaking pipes within the walls, or faulty external building seals that allow moisture ingress.

However, as a tenant, you are responsible for maintaining the property through adequate ventilation and reporting any issues promptly. Your discovery of black mold in a closet, exacerbated by the high humidity and constant AC use (which can cause condensation if not properly balanced), indicates a significant moisture problem that likely originates from a hidden source. Given your children's health symptoms and the potential for the mold to have colonized the wall cavity, a professional inspection is not just recommended, it is critical.

A proper inspection by a certified company like Saniservice involves using tools such as borescopes to view inside walls and moisture meters to pinpoint the source of water. This investigation is essential to determine the root cause and define the scope of remediation. We strongly advise you to formally notify your landlord of the issue in writing and recommend they engage a professional service for a comprehensive assessment.

For immediate assistance with a certified mold inspection and detailed report for your landlord, please call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Our experts can identify the moisture source and provide the documentation needed to clarify responsibility.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 5, 2026 6:31 am