Is mold remediation a landlord's responsibility in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

Excellent question, and a very common situation we encounter here in Dubai, especially in areas like Jumeirah Village Triangle where humidity can be a real challenge. As a certified mold inspector, I'll break down the responsibilities.

In the UAE, the law generally places the responsibility for maintaining the structural integrity and habitability of a rental property squarely on the landlord. This is outlined in the Dubai Rental Law. Since mold resulting from a pre-existing issue—like a hidden leak in the plumbing, faulty AC drainage, or inadequate insulation in the building envelope—is considered a structural defect, the landlord is typically responsible for the cost of both the inspection to diagnose the root cause and the subsequent remediation work to fix it.

However, the key is proving the origin. If the dampness is due to tenant behavior, like severely inadequate ventilation or failing to use the AC to control humidity, the responsibility could shift. But given your description of it being in a closet on an exterior wall since the humidity spiked, this strongly points to an underlying building issue.

Your first step is not to attempt cleaning it yourself, as this can disturb toxic spores. You must formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue immediately, and I highly recommend including photos. Politely insist on a professional mold inspection. A proper inspection involves moisture mapping, thermal imaging, and air quality testing to find the source of the moisture, which is absolutely critical.

Once the professional report is in hand, it will clearly indicate the cause, and from there, the landlord's responsibility to remediate should be clear. For a case like yours with visible growth and a damp feel, a pro inspection is non-negotiable.

If you need immediate assistance documenting the issue or getting that professional assessment, our team can provide a comprehensive report for your landlord. Don’t hesitate to call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for guidance.