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

In the UAE, the responsibility for mold removal in a rental property is primarily determined by the cause of the infestation, as outlined in the Dubai Rental Law. The landlord is legally obligated to maintain the property's structural integrity and ensure it is habitable. If the mold is a result of a structural defect, such as a leaking pipe within the walls, a faulty AC unit causing excessive condensation, or water seepage from the building's exterior due to poor waterproofing, the financial and remedial responsibility falls on the landlord.

However, tenant liability comes into play if the mold growth is proven to be a direct consequence of their actions or negligence. This includes chronic failure to use the AC system properly to control the extreme Dubai humidity, blocking ventilation grilles, creating excessive indoor moisture (e.g., from drying clothes indoors without ventilation), or failing to report a visible water leak in a timely manner, allowing the problem to escalate.

Given your description of the mold being behind a wardrobe and the room having awful humidity despite AC use, the root cause is unclear without a professional inspection. The landlord's argument regarding delayed reporting is weak if you only just discovered it. We strongly recommend you do not attempt remediation yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize spores and spread the contamination.

A certified mold inspection is essential to identify the exact moisture source and determine liability. Our team at Saniservice uses thermal imaging and moisture meters to provide an authoritative report on the cause, which can be used in any dispute. For immediate advice and to schedule a professional assessment, please call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com.