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

We've lived in our Jumeirah apartment for 2 years and just noticed a patch of black mold in the corner of our master bedroom closet, behind some boxes. It's been getting worse since the humidity spiked a few weeks ago, and now my husband has started getting headaches. Who is responsible for arranging and paying for a proper mold inspection, us or the landlord?
Posted by Hannah Scott
Asked on March 28, 2026 7:01 pm
In Dubai and the wider UAE, the responsibility for mold inspection and remediation is primarily governed by the rental contract and Law No. 26 of 2007, known as the Dubai Rental Law. Typically, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and addressing issues arising from inherent building defects, such as leaking pipes in the walls or faulty external waterproofing that lead to moisture intrusion. The tenant, however, is responsible for damages resulting from their own negligence or misuse, such as failing to use the AC properly, which is critical in our high-humidity climate.

Your situation in Jumeirah, with mold developing in a closet corner coinciding with a humidity spike, is a common scenario. The headaches reported are a significant indicator that professional assessment is required. The first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue, as they are generally obligated to investigate the source of the moisture. If the cause is a structural leak or inadequate ventilation, they are typically responsible for the inspection and subsequent repairs.

However, due to the potential health implications and the technical complexity of identifying the exact moisture source and mold species, we strongly advise engaging a professional environmental inspector. DIY assessments are insufficient. A certified expert, like those at Saniservice, will conduct a comprehensive inspection including moisture mapping, thermal imaging, and air quality sampling to determine the root cause and extent of contamination. This objective report is essential for definitively establishing liability between tenant and landlord.

For a definitive diagnosis and to safeguard your health, we recommend contacting our specialists. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a thorough inspection and receive a detailed report that can be presented to your landlord.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 31, 2026 1:03 pm