Who is responsible for mold cleanup, tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

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

As a certified mold inspector, the first step is always a professional assessment to identify the moisture source. If the mold growth on your Jumeirah apartment's external wall is due to a structural issue, such as a leaking pipe within the wall, a crack in the building envelope, or faulty external waterproofing that has allowed humidity to infiltrate, the repair and remediation cost is almost always the legal responsibility of the landlord. The landlord is obligated to maintain the property's structure and ensure it is habitable.

However, responsibility may fall to you, the tenant, if the cause is determined to be tenant-induced. In Dubai's extreme climate, this most commonly results from chronic condensation due to improper ventilation. Examples include excessively lowering the AC thermostat, which causes more condensation on cold surfaces, blocking AC diffusers, or failing to use exhaust fans, leading to elevated indoor humidity that condenses on colder exterior walls.

Given the location and description, a pre-existing building envelope issue is highly probable. We strongly recommend you immediately contact your landlord and request a professional mold inspection. DIY attempts can disturb toxic spores and worsen contamination. Our certified teams at Saniservice use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact source. We provide a detailed report that can be used to definitively establish responsibility with your landlord.

For a definitive assessment and to prevent health risks, call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.