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

We've lived in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for two years and just noticed a large patch of black mold behind our wardrobe, probably from a slow leak. The landlord is saying we should handle it because we didn't report it sooner, but we only just found it when we moved the furniture. Who is legally responsible for the cost of mold remediation in a rental here?
Posted by Tomasz Perez
Asked on April 1, 2026 2:03 pm
Based on UAE rental law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the responsibility for structural repairs and maintenance of the property falls on the landlord. This includes issues arising from inherent building defects, such as leaking pipes within the walls, faulty air conditioning systems, or poor waterproofing that lead to mold growth. The tenant is generally responsible for damages resulting from their own negligence or misuse of the property.

In your case at Jumeirah Village Circle, the key factor is the source of the moisture. A slow leak from a concealed pipe is almost certainly the landlord's financial responsibility. The fact that you discovered it behind furniture is a strong argument that it was not due to your negligence but a hidden building defect. You should formally notify your landlord in writing immediately, with photographs as evidence.

However, Dubai's climate complicates matters. Year-round AC use can cause significant condensation if units are not properly maintained or if humidity settings are incorrect. If the mold is determined to be due to tenant behavior—such as failing to use the AC adequately, causing excessive humidity, or not ventilating bathrooms—the cost could be argued to be the tenant's.

Given the potential health risks and legal complexities, a professional inspection is critical. A certified mold assessor, like our team at Saniservice, can conduct a thorough investigation to identify the precise moisture source and type of mold. This unbiased, technical report is invaluable evidence for determining liability and is often required for insurance or legal purposes. For a definitive assessment and to resolve the issue correctly, I recommend you call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 3, 2026 10:18 am