Is my Dubai landlord required to pay for mold inspection?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), a landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and ensuring it is habitable. A mold issue stemming from a chronic building defect, like a leaking pipe in the walls, a faulty AC drainage system, or seepage from a neighboring unit, is typically their financial responsibility to investigate and remediate.

However, the initial burden of proof often falls on you, the tenant. You must first document the issue and formally notify the landlord or property management company in writing. The persistent damp smell in your closet and the timing with high humidity point to a condensation or moisture intrusion problem, common in Discovery Gardens apartments where AC runs year-round. This is a legitimate health concern, especially with children experiencing respiratory symptoms.

While the landlord may be required to fix the root cause, they are not automatically obligated to pay for a professional inspection. Many will first attempt a basic clean-up. For a definitive case, a professional inspection with lab testing is the only way to identify the mold species and pinpoint the moisture source, which is critical for forcing a landlord's hand. This documented evidence is what the Dubai Rental Dispute Center would require if a disagreement escalates.

Your first step is to send a detailed email to your landlord with photos of the affected area and a description of the health symptoms. Request an investigation into the moisture source. If they are unresponsive or deny the issue, a professional inspection report becomes your most powerful tool to demonstrate the severity and origin of the problem.