Is landlord required to pay for professional mold removal?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my bedroom closet has been leaking on and off for months, and now there's a huge patch of black mold spreading on the wall and all over our shoes. We’ve told the building maintenance twice but they just patch the pipe and don't fix the mold. Is the landlord legally required to pay for a professional mold removal service, or is that now our problem since we didn't catch it sooner?
Posted by Leila Habib
Asked on April 2, 2026 3:28 pm
Based on UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, landlords are legally obligated to maintain the property and ensure it is habitable. This includes addressing structural issues and defects, such as a leaking AC unit, which are the direct cause of your mold problem. Since the mold growth is a direct result of a maintenance failure (the recurring leak) that you have duly reported, the responsibility for the ensuing damage and its professional remediation almost certainly falls on the landlord.

The black mold you describe is a serious health hazard, and its presence indicates a significant moisture issue that a simple pipe patch does not resolve. In Dubai's climate, with high humidity and year-round AC use, mold can proliferate rapidly behind walls, compromising structural integrity and indoor air quality. Attempting to clean it yourself is not advised, as improper remediation can aerosolize toxic spores, spreading the contamination throughout your apartment.

You require a professional inspection to determine the full extent of the contamination and a certified remediation process. This involves containment, HEPA filtration, antimicrobial treatment, and addressing the root moisture source. We strongly recommend you formally notify your landlord in writing, citing the law, and demand professional mold remediation. If they refuse, you may file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre in Dubai.

For an immediate professional assessment and certified remediation, please contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Our team is equipped to provide a detailed report that can be used in discussions with your landlord and the building management.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 5, 2026 1:44 am