Is mold inspection a tenant or landlord responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Our master bedroom closet, which is on an interior wall, has started to get these black speckles in the corners. I first noticed it a couple of weeks ago after that period of really heavy humidity. Now my clothes have a faint damp smell and I'm worried it's spreading. As a tenant, am I responsible for arranging and paying for a professional mold inspection, or is that the landlord's duty?
Posted by Ali Farah
Asked on March 18, 2026 7:32 pm
In the UAE, the responsibility for mold inspection and remediation generally falls upon the landlord, as stipulated in Dubai Law No. (26) of 2007, which regulates the relationship between landlords and tenants. This law mandates that the property owner is responsible for maintaining the property in a condition fit for human habitation, which includes addressing structural or systemic issues that lead to mold growth, such as faulty waterproofing, leaking pipes, or inadequate ventilation inherent to the building's design.

Your situation, developing on an interior wall following a period of high humidity, is a classic symptom of condensation. Dubai's climate, with its extreme humidity levels, forces air conditioning systems to run constantly. When cold air from an AC unit meets the warm, humid air infiltrating a poorly insulated space, condensation forms, creating the perfect environment for mold. A closet on an interior wall is a prime location for this to occur due to stagnant air and potential temperature differentials. The presence of a musty odor and visible growth on your belongings confirms an active infestation.

As a tenant, your responsibility is to report the issue to the landlord or property management company in writing immediately. You should not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this only addresses surface discoloration and not the root moisture problem, often causing the mold to regrow more aggressively.

For a definitive diagnosis and a protocol for safe remediation, a professional inspection is non-negotiable. Certified inspectors, like our team at Saniservice, use tools such as thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact source of moisture and conduct air and surface sampling to identify the spore types and concentration levels. This professional report is crucial for determining liability and the required corrective actions.

For immediate assistance with a comprehensive mold inspection, I recommend you call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 20, 2026 4:12 pm