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

Based on UAE rental law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the responsibility for mold remediation hinges on the underlying cause of the moisture. The landlord is legally obligated to maintain the property's structural integrity. Therefore, if the black mold in your Al Barsha villa closet is due to a structural issue—such as a leaking pipe within the wall, faulty waterproofing, or a crack in the external wall that allows water ingress—the remediation cost falls entirely on the landlord.

However, as the tenant, you are responsible for maintaining the property in a hygienic condition and ensuring adequate ventilation. Given Dubai's extreme humidity and the year-round reliance on air conditioning, tenant-induced condensation is a common cause. If the mold growth is a result of insufficient ventilation within the enclosed closet space, storing damp clothing, or failing to run the AC sufficiently to control humidity levels, you could be held liable for the cleanup costs.

Determining the root cause is critical and requires a professional inspection. The fuzzy, black growth you describe indicates an active colony that has been thriving for some time, likely fueled by the recent humidity spike. A certified mold inspector can conduct moisture mapping and thermal imaging to identify the exact source of the water, which will definitively assign responsibility.

For a precise assessment and to protect your health and tenancy rights, I strongly recommend contacting our specialists at Saniservice. We can provide a comprehensive inspection and a legally valid report. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an evaluation.