Who is responsible for mold inspection as a tenant?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai's rental market, the responsibility for a mold inspection depends on the cause of the problem. The landlord is responsible for the structural integrity of the property, including issues like a leaking AC condensation pipe inside the wall or faulty external waterproofing. As a tenant, you are typically responsible for issues arising from your own usage, such as failing to properly ventilate the apartment.

Given your description of a spreading patch behind a wardrobe, a hidden AC leak is a strong possibility, which would likely fall under the landlord's maintenance duties. The persistent high humidity we experience exacerbates any existing moisture problem, accelerating mold growth.

Your first step should be to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photos, as this starts a paper trail. They are generally obligated to address health and safety hazards. For a case like this, a professional inspection is highly recommended to identify the exact moisture source. A proper assessment uses tools like moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the leak's origin without destructive investigation, and air or surface sampling can identify the mold type. This scientific report is crucial evidence to determine responsibility and the required scope of remediation.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can reference the rental contract's maintenance clauses and, if necessary, escalate the matter to the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) for dispute resolution. Do not attempt to remove extensive mold yourself, as disturbing it can spread spores throughout your apartment.