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

In the UAE, particularly in humid coastal areas like Deira, the responsibility for addressing mold issues is typically defined by the tenancy contract and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, known as the Dubai Rental Law. The landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes addressing issues arising from inherent building faults, such as leaking pipes or faulty AC systems that lead to condensation and mold growth. As a tenant, your responsibility is to maintain the interior of the property and report any such issues promptly.

Given your description of a spreading black colony behind a wardrobe, coupled with high humidity and a weakened AC unit, this is a serious issue that requires immediate professional attention. The weakened AC is a critical failure, as properly functioning air conditioning is the primary defense against Dubai's high humidity levels, which routinely exceed 90%. This is not a simple case of surface condensation but points to a persistent moisture problem within the wall cavity.

Your first actionable step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, detailing the problem and including clear photographs. Emphasize that the mold growth is a result of an underlying maintenance issue (the faulty AC and potential lack of proper ventilation). For your health and safety, do not attempt to clean this yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize toxic spores.

I strongly recommend a professional mold inspection to identify the exact species and the full extent of the infestation. A certified inspector will use tools like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to find the moisture source and take air and surface samples for lab analysis. This objective data is invaluable in compelling your landlord to act and for planning an effective remediation strategy. For immediate assistance with a comprehensive inspection and detailed report, I recommend contacting the experts at Saniservice. You can call them at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a assessment.