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

Based on the situation you've described, this is a critical health and safety issue that requires immediate professional attention. Under UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai and its amendments, the legal responsibility for maintenance of the property's structure, including issues arising from inherent building defects like faulty AC systems that lead to water leakage, falls squarely on the landlord.

The persistent AC leak you reported is the root cause of the mold growth. The landlord's obligation is to provide a habitable premises, and their "quick fix" was clearly insufficient, leading to a deterioration of the indoor air quality. You, as the tenant, are responsible for day-to-day minor maintenance, but a systemic issue like this is not your financial or legal burden. You should formally notify the landlord in writing (email is best for a paper trail) of the worsening condition, the suspected mold growth, and the associated health symptoms your family is experiencing. Demand that they arrange and pay for a professional mold inspection to assess the full extent of the contamination.

Given the visible black mold and the respiratory symptoms, a DIY approach is unsafe. Proper inspection requires specialized equipment like moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras, and air/surface sampling to identify the species and spore count, which is crucial for planning an effective remediation strategy. The high humidity and constant AC use in Dubai create a perfect environment for mold, especially when condensation issues are present.

For a certified and comprehensive inspection that will provide a legally defensible report, I strongly recommend you contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We can document the issue professionally, which will support your case with the landlord and ensure the health of your family is protected.