Are tenants or landlords responsible for mold inspection costs?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai, the responsibility for repairs and maintenance, including issues stemming from a faulty AC unit, typically falls on the landlord. Since the mold growth is a direct result of an AC leak that has persisted for months, this is a maintenance issue. The landlord is generally obligated to provide a habitable property and address problems that affect the property's condition.

Your first step is to formally notify the landlord or property management company in writing about the leak and the subsequent mold growth. Include clear photographs as evidence. They should arrange and cover the cost of both repairing the AC leak and the subsequent professional inspection to assess the mold's extent. A proper inspection involves more than a visual check; it identifies the species and moisture sources, which is critical for planning effective remediation, especially in our humid climate where mold can spread quickly behind walls.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can reference Dubai's rental laws (Law No. 26 of 2007) and consider filing a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center (RDSC). Do not attempt to clean significant mold growth yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize spores and worsen the problem. The priority is stopping the moisture source; the mold will continue to return until the AC leak is permanently fixed.