Who handles mold removal: tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai tenancy law, the landlord is typically responsible for addressing mold caused by structural issues or faulty fixtures, like a leaking AC unit. Since this mold resulted from a long-term AC leak, the repair and remediation responsibility likely falls on the property owner.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, including clear photos of both the mold and the leaking AC unit. This creates a documented record of the issue. The landlord should arrange for an AC technician to fix the leak and a professional mold inspection to assess the wall. The high humidity in Dubai, especially during summer, means mold can spread quickly into building materials if the moisture source isn't stopped.

For a patch spreading behind furniture, professional remediation is advised. DIY cleaning often fails to address spores embedded within the wall or gypsum board, leading to rapid regrowth. A proper remediation involves containing the area, safely removing affected materials, and using industrial-grade equipment like HEPA scrubbers to clean the air.

Before renewing your contract, ensure the landlord has resolved both the leak and the mold. A post-remediation verification test from an independent lab is the best way to confirm the space has been returned to a healthy condition. This is a common practice for reputable companies here, as it provides documented proof the issue is resolved.