Who is responsible for mold in living room?« Back to Previous Page

After the rain last month, I noticed a musty smell coming from the corner of the living room, near where the carpet meets the wall. The area has some discoloration that looks suspiciously like mold to me. It’s concerning because we’ve lived here for 2 years and just now noticing this. Who is responsible for addressing this issue—me or my landlord?
Posted by Brittany Walker
Asked on February 25, 2026 9:33 am
In the UAE, particularly in Dubai, mold issues can arise from various environmental conditions. Given your situation where you have noticed discoloration and a musty smell near the carpet meeting the wall, it is indeed prudent to investigate further. The responsibility for addressing this issue may depend on local laws and agreements between tenants and landlords.

Firstly, as per UAE tenant-landlord laws, the landlord typically bears the responsibility for ensuring that the property meets certain standards of habitability when rented out. This includes maintaining a safe and healthy environment free from mold growth. However, it's important to understand that tenants may have responsibilities too, such as not causing damage or allowing conditions that could lead to mold development.

Given your scenario, where you've only recently noticed the issue after living in the property for two years, it would be wise to conduct a professional mold inspection. This can help determine whether the mold is new and if so, what caused its growth. In Dubai, companies like Saniservice offer comprehensive mold inspection services which are particularly useful given the climate conditions that favor mold development.

If you decide on seeking a professional inspection, ensure the inspector complies with local regulations and standards for mold assessment. Once the issue has been identified, it’s crucial to address it promptly to prevent further growth and potential health risks associated with mold exposure.

In terms of remediation, should it be determined that your landlord is responsible due to their failure to maintain proper conditions, you might need to take a formal approach. This could involve documenting the extent of the damage, possibly through photos or video evidence, and contacting the relevant authorities or your property management if applicable.

If mold growth is found to be due to tenant negligence (e.g., not maintaining cleanliness), it would still be advisable to address the issue by ensuring proper cleaning and addressing any water leakage issues that could be contributing factors. It’s also recommended to maintain good indoor air quality practices, such as using dehumidifiers in high-risk areas.

Remember, early intervention is key to preventing mold from spreading and causing more extensive damage or health issues. If you decide not to go through a professional inspection for now, closely monitor the affected area and consult with an expert if the issue worsens or spreads.

If you find that you need immediate assistance, feel free to call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. They can provide guidance on next steps and potentially schedule a professional inspection for your property.

Lastly, always ensure that any action taken complies with local laws and regulations in Dubai. Stay proactive and keep detailed records of all communications and actions related to this matter.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on February 27, 2026 6:09 am