Is landlord responsible for mold inspection in rental?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in our Jumeirah Village Triangle apartment for two years, and I've just noticed these dark black spots spreading along the baseboard in the master bedroom closet. It's been incredibly humid lately and I'm worried it's mold. Am I responsible for arranging and paying for a professional mold inspection, or is this something my landlord has to handle?
Posted by Youssef Al-Hamdi
Asked on March 31, 2026 5:26 pm
In the UAE, specifically Dubai, the responsibility for mold inspection and remediation in a rental property is primarily dictated by the tenancy contract and Law No. 26 of 2007, known as the Dubai Rental Law. Generally, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and ensuring it is habitable. This includes addressing issues arising from inherent building defects, such as faulty waterproofing, leaking central AC systems, or poor insulation that leads to condensation.

However, tenant responsibilities include maintaining the property's cleanliness and ensuring adequate ventilation to prevent issues caused by lifestyle, such as failing to use bathroom extractor fans or over-humidifying rooms. Given the extreme humidity and constant AC use in Dubai, condensation is a common culprit, and establishing the root cause is critical to determining liability.

The black spots in your Jumeirah Village Triangle closet are a serious concern. This is not a superficial issue; it indicates a persistent moisture problem. We strongly recommend you do not attempt to clean this yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize toxic spores. A professional inspection is essential to identify the moisture source (e.g., a hidden pipe leak, thermal bridging causing condensation, or a faulty AC drain pan) and categorize the mold type.

Immediately notify your landlord in writing with photographs. Request a professional mold inspection. If they are unresponsive, you may need to escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Center (RDC). For a definitive assessment, our certified team at Saniservice uses thermal imaging, moisture meters, and air quality tests to provide a legally valid report. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for an immediate consultation.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 2, 2026 2:28 am