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

Determining responsibility for mold in a Dubai rental property is a common point of contention, heavily dependent on the source of the moisture. Under UAE rental law, the landlord is responsible for the property's structural integrity and maintenance of the building's core systems. This includes repairing leaks from the roof, external walls, or faulty internal plumbing and drainage. If the mold growth in your Jumeirah apartment is a direct result of water ingress from the recent heavy rains due to a structural issue, the remediation and repair costs legally fall on the landlord.

However, the landlord may argue that tenant behavior caused the issue. While you run the AC constantly, it is crucial to understand that air conditioning alone is not sufficient; it must be the correct type and used appropriately. In Dubai's high humidity climate, mold thrives on condensation. AC units must be set to a sufficiently low temperature to effectively dehumidify the air. Simply blowing cool air without proper humidity control can exacerbate the problem. Blocking walls with large furniture like sofas impedes air circulation, creating a cold spot where condensation forms, which is a tenant responsibility to manage.

For a definitive determination of liability, a professional inspection is essential. A certified mold assessor can identify the moisture source through thermal imaging and moisture meters. If the inspection reveals a construction defect or leak, the report serves as a legally valid document to present to your landlord. For immediate assessment and a comprehensive report to resolve this dispute, I recommend contacting our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.