As tenant, responsible for mold remediation cost in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

Excellent question, and a very common situation here in Dubai, especially with the recent humidity levels. As a certified mold inspector, I can break this down for you.

First, the discovery behind the wardrobe is a classic sign of hidden mold, often caused by condensation on cold exterior walls that are blocked from airflow by furniture. The allergic reactions you're describing are a significant indicator that this is a professional-grade issue, not just a simple wipe-down.

Regarding responsibility under UAE tenancy law, the general principle is that the landlord is responsible for the structural integrity of the property. Since this is on an exterior wall and potentially linked to inadequate insulation or a pre-existing condensation issue, the remediation cost should fall to the building owner or landlord. The AC not keeping up could also be a factor they need to address. However, you must formally notify them in writing immediately. Document everything with photos and dates.

Crucially, do not attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing it will aerosolize the spores, potentially making the health issues worse and spreading the contamination. A proper inspection, including moisture mapping and possibly air quality testing, is needed to determine the full extent behind the wall.

Your first step is to contact your landlord with your evidence. For a definitive assessment and a professional report to present to them, I highly recommend getting a certified inspection. We can provide a detailed scope of work and cause analysis, which is often needed to resolve these landlord-tenant discussions.

Feel free to call our specialists at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for an immediate consultation. We deal with these exact jurisdictional issues daily and can guide you through the process.