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

In the UAE, specifically Dubai, the responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is dictated by the terms of your tenancy contract and local rental laws, primarily Law No. 26 of 2007. The general principle is a division of responsibility: the landlord is responsible for the structural integrity of the property and addressing the root cause of the moisture, while the tenant is typically responsible for reporting issues in a timely manner and covering minor maintenance.

The root cause in your Marina apartment is the leaking AC unit, which is creating chronic moisture. Under standard Dubai rental law, the repair of fixed installations like the air conditioning system falls to the landlord. Therefore, the landlord is legally obligated to repair the AC unit to stop the water intrusion. This addresses the source.

The resulting mold growth and damage to the wall, however, present a more nuanced situation. If the mold is a direct consequence of the landlord's failure to maintain the AC (the root cause), then the responsibility for the mold remediation and wall repairs should also fall to them. You must demonstrate that you reported the AC leak promptly. The extreme humidity and condensation common in Dubai, especially in coastal areas like Marina, exacerbate these issues but do not absolve the landlord of their maintenance duties.

For a case like yours with visible black mold spreading on a wall, a professional inspection is critical. DIY removal is not advised as it can aerosolize spores and worsen the contamination. A certified inspector will identify the exact mold species, map the extent of the growth (often more than is visible), and provide a detailed report that can be used to formally request remediation from your landlord.

For a definitive assessment and to resolve the dispute with your landlord, I recommend contacting our team at Saniservice. We provide certified mold inspection and testing services, and our reports are legally recognized. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection and get a clear path to resolution.