Who is responsible for mold inspection and remediation?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai, landlord responsibility for mold inspection and remediation depends on the source of the moisture. If the dampness and mold growth are due to a structural issue, like a leaking pipe inside the wall, a faulty AC unit causing condensation, or building envelope leaks, the landlord is typically responsible for the repair and subsequent remediation.

However, if the humidity is determined to be from tenant lifestyle factors, such as inadequate ventilation, drying clothes indoors, or not using the AC sufficiently to manage indoor humidity, the cost may fall to you. Given your location in Jumeirah Village Triangle and the description of a large patch behind fixed furniture on a damp wall, a structural or AC-related cause is highly plausible, especially with the recent high humidity.

You should first formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photos, and request an inspection to determine the moisture source. For a case this significant, a professional inspection is strongly advised to identify the exact mold species and the root cause. This provides an objective report that clarifies responsibility. The Dubai climate, with its high humidity and year-round AC use, often leads to condensation issues that are a building maintenance concern.

While you can arrange the inspection yourself, it is generally the landlord's obligation to address property defects. Starting with a written request to them is the correct first step. If they are unresponsive, you may need to escalate through the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center. A certified inspection report from a company with its own microbiology lab will be crucial evidence, as it can definitively link the mold growth to a specific, verifiable moisture source.