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

The responsibility typically depends on the source of the moisture. Under Dubai's rental laws (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for fixing structural issues, like a hidden leak in the wall or a faulty external sealant, which are common culprits in Marina buildings due to their age and exposure to humid air. If the mold is a result of tenant behavior—such as consistently failing to run the AC to manage humidity, blocking ventilation, or creating excessive indoor moisture—the cost could fall to the tenant.

Given the location behind a wardrobe, this often points to an external wall where condensation forms or a slow internal leak. The recent increase with humidity suggests the building's envelope is struggling with the climate shift. Your first step is to formally request a professional inspection from the landlord to determine the moisture source. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as this can disturb toxic spores and doesn't solve the underlying water issue.

For the inspection, insist on a certified mold assessor who uses moisture meters and thermal imaging to trace the water intrusion. If the landlord is uncooperative, you can file a complaint with the Dubai Rental Dispute Center (RDC). They will often mandate an independent expert report to establish liability. The cost of remediation, including fixing the leak and proper mold removal, follows the same liability—whoever is responsible for the cause pays for the solution. In many cases like this, the underlying cause is structural, making it the landlord's obligation.