Is the landlord or tenant responsible for mold?« Back to Previous Page

Excellent and very relevant question. This is a common point of confusion for tenants here in the UAE, especially given our climate which is a perfect incubator for mold.

In the vast majority of cases, under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the responsibility for addressing and rectifying issues like mold falls squarely on the landlord or property owner. The premise is that the landlord is obligated to provide a habitable property that meets basic health and safety standards. A mold infestation, particularly one caused by underlying issues like faulty AC drainage, leaking pipes, or inadequate insulation, constitutes a failure of the property's structure and essential systems, which are the landlord's domain to maintain.

However, the tenant also has a responsibility to use the property in a reasonable manner. This means you must promptly report the issue to your landlord or property management company in writing as soon as you notice it. You are also responsible for maintaining good hygiene, ensuring proper ventilation by not blocking AC vents, and reporting any minor leaks immediately. If the mold is proven to be a direct result of tenant negligence (e.g., failing to report a major water leak for weeks, causing excessive indoor humidity), liability could shift.

Given that you're already seeing visible growth and experiencing symptoms (stuffy, damp air), this is beyond a simple clean-up. The underlying moisture source must be identified by a professional. We strongly recommend you inform your landlord and insist on a certified inspection. DIY tests are unreliable. A certified professional, like our teams at Sani Service, uses tools like thermal cameras and moisture meters to find the hidden source and provide a remediation protocol.

For immediate advice or to schedule a certified inspection, you can call us at 800-MOLDS or 800-66537.