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

The responsibility for mold remediation costs in Dubai rentals depends on the source of the moisture. According to common tenancy law interpretations, structural issues like leaking pipes, faulty external waterproofing, or a defective AC system that causes condensation are the landlord's financial responsibility to fix.

However, if the dampness is due to tenant behavior—such as insufficient use of AC/dehumidifiers, drying clothes indoors, or failing to report a minor leak that escalated—the cost may fall to you. Given your location in Marina, where high humidity is constant, and the fact your dehumidifier is broken, the argument for the landlord's responsibility is strong. The persistent damp wall suggests a potential structural or AC-related moisture source.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photos of the mold and damp wall. Request an immediate inspection to determine the moisture source. For health reasons, a professional assessment is critical; hidden mold in walls can be extensive. A proper inspection, often involving moisture meters and sometimes lab analysis, can definitively identify the cause, which then dictates financial responsibility. Do not attempt to clean significant mold yourself, as improper disturbance can spread spores and worsen the problem.