Who is responsible for mold inspection in a Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our bedroom has been leaking a bit for the last few weeks, and now I’m seeing these small black spots appearing on the wall behind the wardrobe. My landlord is saying it's our fault for not ventilating properly, but we run the AC constantly because of the heat. Who is legally responsible for arranging and paying for a mold inspection in a rental villa in Dubai?
Posted by Soo Saito
Asked on March 30, 2026 7:52 am
Based on UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the responsibility for maintaining the structural integrity and major systems of a rental property falls squarely on the landlord. This includes the maintenance and repair of all permanent fixtures, most critically the air conditioning system. Since the mold growth is a direct result of a leaking AC unit, which is a landlord-provided appliance and part of the property's core infrastructure, the legal responsibility to investigate and rectify the issue is theirs.

The landlord's claim about inadequate ventilation, while a valid general concern in Dubai's humid climate, is unlikely to absolve them of responsibility in this specific case. The primary and immediate cause is a mechanical failure of their equipment (the leaking AC), not tenant behavior. While tenants are responsible for general upkeep and reporting issues promptly, the landlord is obligated to address reported defects in a timely manner to prevent secondary damage like mold.

For a definitive assessment, a professional mold inspection is critical. Our process involves using moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras, and air/surface sampling to identify the moisture source, map the extent of the contamination, and identify the mold species. This technical report is essential evidence to formally establish causality and liability.

Given the presence of visible growth and a known water source, I strongly recommend you insist on a professional inspection. For immediate assistance, you can contact our certified team at Saniservice on 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or hello@saniservice.com to arrange a comprehensive assessment and provide a report that can be presented to your landlord.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 1, 2026 12:48 am