Who is responsible for mold inspection costs, tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai's rental law, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes fixing leaks from AC units that are part of the building. Since the leak is the source of the moisture causing the mold, the landlord is typically responsible for both the repair and the resulting damage remediation.

You should formally notify your landlord or property management company immediately about the AC leak and the visible mold growth. Provide clear photos and a written description. This leak, combined with Dubai's high humidity, creates an ideal environment for mold to spread quickly behind walls and into insulation. A professional inspection is strongly advised to determine the full extent, as what's visible on the wall is often just a fraction of the problem.

For a proper assessment, the inspection should include moisture mapping and air quality testing to identify all affected areas and the species present. While the landlord handles the leak fix and mold removal, as the tenant you may be responsible for moving furniture (like the headboard) to allow access. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can escalate the matter through the Dubai Rental Dispute Center.