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

Based on the conditions you've described in your Jumeirah Village Circle apartment, determining responsibility for mold remediation hinges on the source of the moisture, a key principle under UAE rental law.

The landlord is unequivocally responsible for the structural integrity of the property. If the mold growth behind the wardrobe is a result of a leaking pipe within the wall, faulty waterproofing, or a construction defect that allows water ingress from outside, the landlord must bear the cost of both the repair to the root cause and the subsequent mold cleanup. The recent humidity spike can exacerbate an existing moisture problem but is rarely the sole cause of such significant, localized growth.

However, tenant responsibilities, as outlined in standard tenancy contracts (Law No. 26 of 2007), include maintaining adequate ventilation. While you run the AC, if it is not set to a sufficiently low temperature to manage the high dew point or if the unit itself is dirty and not effectively removing humidity, condensation can form on cold walls behind large furniture pieces like wardrobes. This created microenvironment is perfect for mold. The strong musty smell in the mornings is a classic indicator of persistent dampness and active microbial growth.

For a definitive determination, a professional inspection is critical. Our certified mold assessors at Saniservice use tools like thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact source of the water intrusion. This evidence-based report is essential for formally engaging your landlord and clearly establishing liability. Do not attempt to clean significant mold growth yourself, as improper methods can aerosolize spores and worsen contamination.

For a conclusive assessment and to resolve this issue correctly, please contact our experts for a comprehensive inspection. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.