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

The responsibility for mold remediation in a UAE rental property is primarily determined by the cause of the moisture, as stipulated in Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, known as the 'Law Regulating Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai'.

As a certified mold inspector, my first step would be a professional investigation to determine the moisture source. If the mold in your Jumeirah Village closet is due to a structural issue, such as a leak from the external wall, a faulty AC unit, or a hidden pipe leak within the building's infrastructure, the financial and remedial responsibility falls squarely on the landlord. They are legally obligated to maintain the property's structural integrity.

However, tenant liability arises if the investigation concludes the mold growth is a direct result of occupant behavior. In Dubai's high-humidity climate, this includes chronic failure to use provided AC systems, blocking ventilation grilles, drying clothes indoors without adequate ventilation, or failing to report a minor leak in a timely manner, allowing the problem to escalate.

Given your description of a spreading patch in a closet—a common site for condensation issues—and its correlation with a recent humidity spike, a structural or AC-related cause is highly plausible. You must formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately. We strongly recommend you do not attempt to clean it yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize harmful mycotoxins.

For a definitive cause-and-responsibility report and a safe remediation plan, a professional inspection is essential. Our team at Saniservice can conduct a comprehensive assessment, including moisture mapping and air quality testing, to provide the evidence needed for your landlord. For immediate assistance, please call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.