Is mold in my rental home the landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

In the UAE, particularly in Dubai's humid climate, mold growth is a common issue exacerbated by year-round AC use, condensation, and high ambient moisture. The responsibility for addressing mold in a rental property is typically determined by the cause. According to standard Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity and addressing issues that affect its habitability. This includes remediating mold caused by inherent building defects, such as leaking pipes, faulty waterproofing, or inadequate ventilation systems.

However, if the mold is a direct result of tenant behavior—such as failing to use the AC to control humidity, not ventilating bathrooms, or creating excessive moisture—the responsibility for remediation may fall on the tenant. The black spots behind your wardrobe in Jumeirah suggest a potential combination of restricted airflow and high humidity, a classic scenario here.

Given the presence of a health symptom like a persistent cough, a professional inspection is not just recommended, it is critical. DIY assessments are insufficient as they miss hidden mold and the underlying moisture source. A certified inspector will conduct air and surface sampling to identify the spore types and concentration levels, and use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact cause.

We strongly advise you to immediately contact your landlord, document the issue with photographs, and formally request a professional mold inspection. For a comprehensive assessment and certified report that can be presented to your landlord, you can call our specialists at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Saniservice provides Dubai-specific inspections that identify both the mold and the root cause moisture issue, which is essential for determining liability and implementing a proper remediation plan.