Who pays for mold inspection in Dubai rental homes?« Back to Previous Page

The responsibility for payment depends on the source of the moisture causing the mold. Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. If the dampness is due to a building envelope issue like a leaking pipe inside the wall, a roof leak, or faulty external waterproofing, the landlord is typically responsible for the inspection and remediation costs.

However, if the moisture source is determined to be tenant-related, such as inadequate ventilation leading to condensation or an internal spill that wasn't addressed, the tenant may be liable for the costs. The black spots behind the wardrobe you describe, especially on a cold, damp external wall, are a classic sign of condensation due to temperature differences and high humidity—a very common issue here. This specific scenario often falls into a grey area.

Your first step should be to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photos, and request a professional inspection to identify the root cause. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as improper methods can aerosolize spores and worsen your children's coughing. For a case with health symptoms and visible growth, a certified inspection that includes moisture mapping and air/surface sampling is critical. Look for a provider that follows IICRC standards (like the S520 Mold Remediation protocol) and can provide verifiable lab results to definitively identify the species and scope of the problem. This evidence is what will ultimately determine financial responsibility.