Is mold in rental unit landlord or tenant responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the UAE Civil Code and standard tenancy contract stipulations, the responsibility for mold remediation is typically determined by the root cause of the moisture.

The landlord is legally obligated to provide a habitable property, which includes maintaining the structural integrity of the building. If the mold is a result of a structural defect, such as a leaking roof, faulty external waterproofing, or a inherent building envelope failure that allows moisture ingress, the responsibility for investigation and remediation falls squarely on the landlord or building management. Given your location in an older Deira building, this is a distinct possibility.

However, tenant liability comes into play if the moisture problem is due to lifestyle factors and inadequate ventilation. The extreme humidity in Dubai, combined with year-round AC use, creates significant condensation if air is not allowed to circulate properly. Continuously running the AC without periodically opening windows to release trapped humid air, drying clothes indoors, or failing to use exhaust fans can create a microclimate conducive to mold growth inside closets and on personal belongings. In such cases, the cost of cleaning personal items and addressing the surface mold may be the tenant's responsibility.

For a definitive determination, a professional inspection is crucial. Our certified mold inspectors at Saniservice can conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify the precise moisture source and species of mold, which is essential for allocating responsibility and formulating an effective remediation plan. We provide detailed reports that can be used in discussions with your landlord or building management.

Do not attempt to clean significant growth yourself, as improper methods can aerosolize spores and exacerbate the problem. For an expert evaluation and to understand your rights and responsibilities, call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.