Who pays for mold removal in Dubai: tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in our Jumeirah Village Triangle apartment for about a year and just noticed a large patch of black mold in the corner of our master bedroom closet, right on the wall. It’s been getting worse since the humidity spiked a couple of weeks ago. Our landlord is saying it's our fault for not ventilating properly, but we always run the AC. Who is legally responsible for the cost of professional mold removal in Dubai, the tenant or the landlord?
Posted by Matthew King
Asked on March 28, 2026 11:33 pm
Based on UAE rental law and the standard Ejari tenancy contract, the responsibility for mold removal typically falls on the landlord, as they are responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and addressing issues related to the building's construction. Mold resulting from inherent defects like poor insulation, leaking pipes within the walls, or faulty external waterproofing is unequivocally the landlord's financial obligation.

However, the situation becomes more complex in Dubai's humid climate. Landlords often argue that tenant negligence—such as failing to run the AC continuously to manage humidity, blocking air circulation with furniture, or drying clothes indoors—caused the condensation that led to the mold growth. While running the AC is a good practice, the specific placement in a closet corner strongly suggests a potential underlying issue, such as a concealed pipe leak or a thermal bridge in the wall causing localized condensation.

To resolve this, a professional inspection is critical. Our certified mold assessors at Saniservice can conduct a thorough investigation to determine the precise cause and origin of the moisture. This technical report, which includes moisture mapping and humidity level analysis, provides an impartial, evidence-based conclusion that is essential for determining liability under Dubai Municipality regulations. For a definitive answer and a certified remediation plan, we strongly recommend you call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for an immediate assessment. Do not attempt to remove significant mold growth yourself, as improper handling can exacerbate spore dispersal and health risks.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 30, 2026 12:51 am