Who pays for mold removal in a rental unit?« Back to Previous Page

Responsibility for mold remediation in a rental unit depends on the source of the moisture. Under Dubai rental law (RERA), the landlord is responsible for fixing structural issues causing the problem, such as a leaking pipe inside the wall, faulty external waterproofing, or a broken AC unit that is producing condensation.

You, as the tenant, are generally responsible for issues stemming from daily living, like inadequate ventilation leading to condensation, not using the AC, or spills that weren't dried. Your situation—dampness on an outside wall with constant AC use—strongly suggests an underlying structural leak or insulation failure, which is typically the landlord's responsibility to investigate and repair.

Document everything immediately with clear photos and videos of the mold and the damp wall. Formally notify your landlord or building management in writing about the issue, as this starts the legal clock for them to respond. For a definitive answer on the moisture source, a professional inspection is needed to determine if it's condensation or infiltration; this diagnostic report will be the key evidence in any discussion with the landlord about who covers the cost of the actual mold removal.