Landlord or tenant responsible for mold cleanup?« Back to Previous Page

In the UAE, specifically Dubai, the responsibility for mold remediation is typically dictated by the lease agreement and the cause of the moisture. The general legal principle under Dubai rental law is that structural issues and faults with the building's envelope (like a leaking roof or faulty external plumbing) are the landlord's responsibility. However, issues arising from tenant behavior, such as lack of ventilation or failure to use the AC, fall to the tenant.

Given your description of the mold appearing after the heavy February rains, the cause is highly likely to be water ingress through the building's external wall. This constitutes a structural defect, making the landlord responsible for both the repair of the leak and the subsequent professional mold remediation. The persistent musty odor you describe, especially when the AC is off, indicates a significant infestation that likely extends beyond the visible surface.

The Dubai climate, with its high humidity and reliance on year-round air conditioning, creates a perfect environment for mold if condensation forms or water intrudes. Simply cleaning the visible patch is insufficient; the hidden moisture source must be identified and fixed, and the mold must be professionally removed to prevent health risks and spore recurrence.

I strongly recommend you immediately notify your landlord in writing, with photos, and request a professional inspection. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as improper methods can aerosolize toxic spores. Our company, Saniservice, specializes in such cases. We use thermal imaging to pinpoint the moisture source and employ industrial-grade HEPA filtration and antimicrobial treatments for a complete solution. For immediate assistance, please call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive assessment.