Who is responsible for mold in my Dubai apartment?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the UAE Civil Code (Federal Law No. 5 of 1985) and standard tenancy contract stipulations, the responsibility for mold remediation is typically determined by the source of the moisture.

The landlord is legally obligated to maintain the property's structural integrity. If the mold in your Jumeirah closet is a result of a building envelope defect, such as a leaking pipe within the wall, faulty external waterproofing, or inadequate insulation leading to condensation on the interior side of the exterior wall, the remediation cost falls on them. The constant AC use you mention is a key indicator; in Dubai's extreme humidity, this often causes significant temperature differentials that lead to condensation on cold surfaces, especially if the building's insulation is substandard.

However, tenant responsibilities include maintaining adequate ventilation to prevent humidity buildup. If the moisture is solely due to lifestyle factors (e.g., lack of AC use, drying clothes indoors) that were not mitigated, you could be held liable.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord and property management company in writing, with photographs, detailing the issue. They should arrange for a professional inspection to identify the precise moisture source. Do not attempt remediation yourself, as improper handling can disperse harmful spores and exacerbate health risks.

Given the location on an exterior wall and correlation with AC operation, this strongly suggests a structural or systemic condensation issue, which is the landlord's responsibility. For a definitive assessment and legally compliant remediation report, I recommend contacting our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive inspection.