Who is responsible for mold in my rented Dubai villa?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the symptoms you've described—dark, fuzzy patches that have expanded after heavy rain and a persistent damp feel—this is a clear case of active mold growth, likely due to water intrusion. In the UAE, the responsibility for such issues is typically defined by the rental contract and Law No. 26 of 2007, known as the Dubai Tenancy Law.

Generally, the landlord is responsible for the structural integrity of the property. This includes the building envelope, roof, and external walls. Since the issue appears to be linked to the recent heavy rains, the root cause is probable water seepage through the villa's exterior, which is a structural maintenance issue. Therefore, the responsibility for investigating the source, carrying out the necessary repairs to the building fabric, and subsequently paying for the professional mold remediation falls on your landlord.

Your responsibility as a tenant is to promptly notify the landlord or property management company in writing about the issue. You should also take steps to minimize further damage, such as moving the sofa away from the wall to improve air circulation. Do not attempt to clean significant mold growth yourself, as improper methods can aerosolize spores and worsen the contamination.

Given the visible growth and dampness, a professional inspection is crucial. We need to identify the exact moisture source (e.g., leaking pipe, capillary rise, or cracks in the wall) and assess the full extent of the mold, which often spreads behind walls. Our certified inspectors use thermal imaging and moisture meters to do this. We then provide a detailed report you can present to your landlord, outlining the cause and the required remediation scope.

For immediate assistance and to schedule a thorough inspection, please call our team at 800-MOLDS or email us at hello@saniservice.com.