Who is responsible for basement mold?« Back to Previous Page

After the heavy rain last month, I noticed a musty smell starting in the basement area of our rented apartment. It's been there ever since, even after we tried airing out the space and using dehumidifiers. The walls seem to have some visible mold growth, but I’m not sure whose responsibility it is to address this—mine as a tenant or my landlord’s? Who should I talk to about getting this taken care of properly?
Posted by Ming Jung
Asked on December 30, 2025 2:10 pm
The responsibility for addressing basement mold can be a bit blurry depending on the specifics of your lease agreement and local laws. In dubai, uae, the property owner typically is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity and health of the premises, which includes addressing any water damage or mold issues that arise from their negligence. However, it's often stated in tenant agreements that tenants must keep their living areas clean and dry to prevent such issues.

Given your situation, i would advise you to reach out to both your landlord and a professional inspection company for an assessment. The fact that there is visible mold growth suggests that this may indeed be due to water damage, which could fall under the landlord’s responsibilities if it's from leaking pipes or other structural issues they are responsible for.

To proceed:

1. Document everything - take photos of the mold and note when you first noticed it.
2. Inform your landlord about the situation in writing (email is ideal) with a copy to your management company if applicable, requesting immediate action.
3. Consider consulting with a professional environmental inspection and remediation service like saniservice.com for a detailed assessment. They can provide expert advice on what steps need to be taken and whether it's covered under your lease or the landlord’s responsibility.

Remember that in uae, there are no specific mold remediation laws but adherence to health and safety standards is mandatory. A professional inspection will ensure you have accurate information and guidance tailored to your situation.

Call 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com for immediate assistance if the issue seems urgent.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on January 1, 2026 7:53 pm