Who is responsible for mold cleanup in a Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai's rental market, the responsibility for mold remediation is typically determined by the source of the moisture, as stipulated in the standard tenancy contract and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, which regulates the relationship between landlords and tenants.

The landlord is legally responsible for addressing mold issues if the root cause is a structural or maintenance-related defect in the property. This includes problems like leaking pipes within the walls, faulty air conditioning drainage systems, cracks in the building envelope allowing water ingress, or inadequate waterproofing. These are considered failures of the landlord to provide a habitable property.

However, if the moisture source is determined to be a result of tenant lifestyle, the responsibility can shift. In Dubai's climate, with its extreme humidity and year-round reliance on AC, improper ventilation is a common cause. If the tenant consistently fails to use exhaust fans, allows condensation to build up by blocking AC vents (e.g., by placing a wardrobe directly against an external wall), or does not run the AC sufficiently to manage humidity levels, the landlord can rightly argue the tenant is at fault.

Given your situation, the black patch behind the wardrobe is a classic sign of condensation due to lack of air circulation. To resolve this dispute authoritatively, a professional inspection is essential. A certified mold assessor can identify the precise moisture source through tools like thermal imaging and moisture meters, providing a legally defensible report on liability.

Do not attempt to clean significant mold growth yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize spores and exacerbate health issues like the coughing your children are experiencing. For a definitive assessment and to ensure the remediation is handled safely, I recommend contacting our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for an inspection to determine the cause and responsibility conclusively.