Are landlord or tenant responsible for mold remediation costs?« Back to Previous Page

In the UAE, specifically Dubai, the responsibility for mold remediation costs is primarily dictated by the lease agreement and the Dubai Rental Law. However, the fundamental principle often hinges on the source of the moisture causing the mold growth.

If the mold is a result of a structural or maintenance-related issue with the property itself—such as a leaking pipe, faulty waterproofing, a crack in the external wall, or a defective AC system that is causing condensation—then the financial responsibility for both the inspection to identify the root cause and the subsequent remediation falls squarely on the landlord. This is considered a failure to provide a habitable dwelling as per standard tenancy agreements.

Conversely, if the moisture issue is determined to be a result of tenant behavior—such as chronic failure to use the AC to control humidity, inadequate ventilation leading to condensation, or damage caused by the tenant—then the tenant would likely be liable for the costs.

Given your description of the Jumeirah Village Circle apartment, the damp wall and seasonal timing strongly suggest a building envelope or condensation issue exacerbated by Dubai's extreme summer humidity, which is a landlord responsibility. The first critical step is a professional inspection to definitively identify the moisture source. DIY attempts can disturb toxic mold and fail to address the root cause, leading to recurrence.

We strongly recommend you contact your landlord immediately, inform them of the suspected structural dampness and potential health impacts, and request a professional assessment. For a certified inspection and remediation report to present to your landlord, you can call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Our assessment will pinpoint the exact cause, which is essential for determining liability and ensuring the problem is resolved permanently.