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

Our bedroom wall behind the wardrobe has these black and greenish splotches that we just noticed while deep cleaning. We’ve been in this Silicon Oasis apartment for almost a year, and the room always feels damp no matter how much we run the AC. I’m worried it’s making my allergies act up. Is getting a professional mold inspection my responsibility as a tenant, or is this something the landlord has to handle and pay for?
Posted by Min Tran
Asked on April 6, 2026 12:06 am
In the UAE, the responsibility for mold inspection and remediation is primarily governed by the rental contract and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, as amended (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 external sealing that leads to water intrusion and subsequent mold growth.

As a tenant, you are responsible for maintaining the interior of the property and reporting any issues promptly. The persistent dampness you describe behind the wardrobe in Silicon Oasis is a significant red flag. This is a classic symptom of condensation due to the high humidity levels in Dubai, often exacerbated by AC units that are not properly balanced for dehumidification or by cold bridges in the building's structure. The presence of black and greenish splotches indicates active microbial growth that requires professional assessment.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue, as delayed reporting can make you liable for further damage. We strongly recommend a professional inspection. DIY tests are unreliable and cannot identify the moisture source or the full extent of contamination. A certified inspector will conduct a visual assessment, moisture mapping, and air quality sampling to create a remediation protocol, which is essential for holding the landlord accountable.

For a definitive diagnosis and a legally compliant report, contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 7, 2026 10:43 am