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

In Dubai, the responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is governed by the terms of your tenancy contract and the overarching Dubai Rental Law. The primary legal principle is that the landlord is responsible for the property's structural integrity and major maintenance, including issues arising from inherent building faults like poor waterproofing, leaking central AC ducts, or faulty plumbing that leads to moisture intrusion. The tenant is typically responsible for damages caused by their own negligence or failure to maintain the property adequately, such as not using the AC properly, causing excessive condensation, or failing to report a minor leak promptly.

Given your location in Jumeirah Village Circle and the timing after a humid spell, the root cause is likely persistent high humidity exacerbated by insufficient ventilation or a pre-existing condensation issue within the closet. The year-round AC use in Dubai is crucial for controlling indoor humidity; if the closet is poorly ventilated or the AC is not set to an adequate level, condensation can form, creating the perfect environment for mold.

Your tenancy contract's vagueness is common. In such cases, the onus is often on the landlord to address the issue if a professional inspection proves the moisture source is structural. However, if the inspection reveals the cause is tenant-related humidity, you may be liable.

I strongly recommend a professional mold inspection to identify the exact species and, more importantly, the precise moisture source. This objective assessment is critical for determining liability and the required scope of remediation. Attempting removal without addressing the root cause will result in rapid regrowth.

For a definitive diagnosis and a legally valid report, contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive assessment.