Who is responsible for mold in a Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our bedroom has been leaking a bit, and now we’ve found a patch of black mold in the corner behind the wardrobe. My wife has been waking up with a stuffy nose and headaches for the past three weeks, and it’s starting to worry me. I’ve told the building management, but they’re saying it's the landlord's responsibility to fix, not theirs. Who is actually legally responsible for the mold remediation and any related health concerns here in Dubai, the landlord or the tenant?
Posted by Willem Rossi
Asked on March 30, 2026 5:58 am
In Dubai's rental market, responsibility for mold remediation is dictated by Law No. 26 of 2007, known as the Dubai Rental Law, and its amendments. The legal principle hinges on the source of the moisture. If the mold growth is a direct result of a structural or maintenance issue with the property itself—such as a leaking AC unit, faulty plumbing, or inadequate waterproofing—the responsibility falls squarely on the landlord. They are legally obligated to maintain the property in a habitable condition. The AC leak you described is a classic example of a maintenance failure that the landlord must address.

However, if the moisture issue is due to tenant behavior, such as inadequate ventilation, failing to use exhaust fans, or not operating the AC sufficiently to manage the extreme humidity, the tenant may be held responsible for the resulting damage and cleanup.

Given that your wife is experiencing health symptoms consistent with mold exposure (stuffy nose, headaches), this is a serious habitability issue that requires immediate professional attention. Do not attempt to remove the mold yourself, as improper remediation can aerosolize spores and worsen the health impact and contamination.

Your first step is to formally notify the landlord in writing, citing the specific issue (AC leak causing mold) and the health concerns. If they are unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. For definitive proof, we strongly recommend a professional mold inspection. A certified inspector can identify the moisture source, speciate the mold, and provide a detailed report that serves as undeniable evidence for your landlord or the RDC.

For immediate assistance with inspection and landlord-compliant remediation reports, contact our experts at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 2, 2026 1:34 am