Landlord or tenant: who pays for rental mold remediation?« Back to Previous Page

The responsibility for mold remediation in a Dubai rental depends on the source of the moisture, as outlined in Dubai Tenancy Law.

If the mold is caused by a structural issue like a hidden leak in the wall, a faulty AC drain pipe, or seepage from a poorly sealed window, the repair and remediation cost falls to the landlord. These are considered maintenance issues for the property's structure.

If the cause is determined to be tenant-related, such as a lack of ventilation leading to condensation, failing to use the AC to control humidity, or an internal spill that wasn't dried, the tenant would be responsible. Dubai's high humidity, especially in coastal areas like JLT, makes enclosed spaces like behind wardrobes prime locations for condensation mold if air isn't circulating.

Your situation is ambiguous, which is common. The landlord's claim of improper ventilation is a typical first response. To resolve this, you need a professional inspection to identify the moisture source definitively. A proper assessment can determine if the wall has a latent leak or if the mold is purely surface-level condensation. This report provides the evidence needed to discuss responsibility with your landlord. For a case this advanced, do not attempt removal yourself; improper cleaning can aerosolize spores and worsen the problem.