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

In Dubai's rental market, the responsibility for mold removal is primarily dictated by the cause of the moisture, as outlined in Law No. 26 of 2007, known as the Dubai Rental Law.

The landlord is legally obligated to maintain the property's structural integrity. Therefore, if the black mold on your ceiling is a result of a structural defect, such as a leaking pipe within the walls, a roof leak, or faulty external waterproofing, the remediation and repair costs fall squarely on the landlord. Given your location in Jumeirah and the description of the mold at the ceiling-wall junction, a leak from the apartment above or a breach in the building envelope is a strong possibility.

Conversely, if the issue is determined to be a result of tenant behavior—such as inadequate ventilation leading to excessive condensation, failure to use the AC to control humidity, or damage caused by the tenant—then the financial responsibility for cleanup shifts to you, the tenant.

The critical first step is a professional inspection to definitively identify the moisture source. Our certified mold assessors at Saniservice use tools like thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to distinguish between a structural leak and condensation, which is exceptionally common here due to our high humidity levels and year-round reliance on air conditioning. This objective report is vital evidence for determining liability.

Do not attempt to remove significant black mold growth yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize harmful spores. For a definitive assessment and to resolve the dispute with your landlord, I strongly recommend you call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive inspection.