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

Based on the UAE Civil Code, specifically Federal Law No. 5 of 1985, the responsibility for structural repairs and issues arising from the property's inherent condition falls squarely on the landlord. A hidden leak within the wall is a structural defect, not a result of tenant negligence. The landlord's claim that inadequate ventilation caused the mold is a common but often incorrect deflection, especially in this climate.

While tenants are responsible for maintaining cleanliness and reporting issues promptly, the underlying cause dictates financial responsibility. The Dubai climate, with its high humidity and reliance on year-round AC, can contribute to condensation, but it does not cause a significant mold outbreak from within a wall cavity. That is a definitive sign of a moisture intrusion problem, which is the landlord's obligation to rectify.

For a case of this severity, a professional inspection is critical. We would conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify the exact source of the moisture (e.g., leaking pipe, seepage, AC condensation drain fault) and perform air and surface sampling to determine the mold species and spore count. This technical report is vital evidence to formally establish liability and the full scope of required remediation, which goes beyond simple cleaning to include fixing the leak, removing contaminated materials, and ensuring the area is properly dried and restored.

Do not attempt to handle this yourself. For a definitive assessment and to ensure your rights are protected, I recommend you contact our team at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection and obtain a legally valid report for your landlord.