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

In Dubai's rental properties, the responsibility for mold inspection and remediation is primarily governed by the stipulations of the tenancy contract and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, known as the 'Regulating Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai Law'.

Typically, the landlord is legally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. This includes addressing issues arising from inherent building defects, such as leaking pipes within the walls, faulty external waterproofing, or cracks in the building envelope that allow moisture ingress. If the mold growth in your Marina apartment is a result of such a concealed humidity issue, the onus is on the landlord to rectify it, including arranging and paying for a professional inspection to determine the root cause.

However, the tenant is responsible for maintaining the property in a clean and habitable condition. This includes ensuring adequate ventilation to prevent condensation, a common issue in Dubai's humid climate exacerbated by year-round AC use. If the landlord can conclusively prove the mold is solely due to tenant negligence (e.g., completely blocking all ventilation, causing excessive indoor humidity without any underlying structural cause), the responsibility could shift.

Given the significant health risks, especially with children exhibiting symptoms, a professional inspection is critical. A certified mold inspector can perform air and surface sampling to identify the spore types and concentration levels and, most importantly, conduct a forensic moisture survey to pinpoint the exact source of the water intrusion. This technical report is the definitive document that determines liability.

For a comprehensive and legally defensible inspection to resolve this dispute, I strongly recommend contacting our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a detailed assessment.