Who is responsible for mold remediation: tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

Based on UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the responsibility for mold remediation is determined by the underlying cause of the moisture. The landlord is legally obligated to maintain the property's structural integrity. Therefore, if the mold is a result of a structural defect, such as a leaking pipe within the walls, a roof leak, or faulty external waterproofing and sealing (a common issue exacerbated by the region's heavy rains), the financial and remedial responsibility falls on the landlord.

However, tenant liability comes into play if the moisture problem is due to their negligence or lifestyle habits. This includes failure to use bathroom exhaust fans, excessive drying of clothes indoors, or obstructing AC ventilation units, leading to condensation buildup. The UAE's high humidity, especially combined with year-round AC use, creates significant condensation risks if systems are not properly maintained or set to appropriate temperatures.

Given your description—location on an exterior wall, correlation with recent heavy rains, and health symptoms—this strongly indicates an infiltration issue, which is the landlord's responsibility. The worsening after rain is a critical clue. We strongly advise against DIY cleaning, as this only addresses the surface growth, not the hidden moisture source, and can aerosolize spores, exacerbating allergy issues.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord in writing about the issue, citing the law, and request a professional inspection to identify the root cause. For a comprehensive assessment, we recommend a certified mold inspector. Saniservice utilizes thermal imaging, moisture meters, and air quality testing to pinpoint the exact source and extent of contamination, providing a legally defensible report for your landlord.

For immediate professional consultation, you can call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.