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

We’ve lived in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for two years and just noticed a patch of black mold starting to spread in the corner of our master bedroom closet, which is on an exterior wall. The musty smell is getting really strong, especially when the AC isn't running. Our landlord is saying it's from our AC usage, but I’m worried it’s a leak in the building. Who is legally responsible for arranging and paying for a proper mold inspection in Dubai, the tenant or the landlord?
Posted by Lin Dang
Asked on April 1, 2026 2:37 pm
In the UAE, specifically Dubai, the responsibility for a mold inspection and subsequent remediation is governed by the rental contract and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, as amended (the Dubai Rental Law). The general principle is that the landlord is responsible for maintaining the property's main structure, including the integrity of walls, roofs, and windows. If the mold growth, as in your JVC case, is on an exterior wall and accompanied by a strong musty smell, it is highly indicative of a latent defect—likely a hidden water infiltration leak from a faulty sealant, cracked pipe within the wall, or a breach in the building envelope.

The landlord's assertion that it is due to AC usage is a common but often incorrect deflection. While Dubai's extreme humidity and constant AC use can cause condensation if units are undersized or not draining properly, this typically results in surface-level condensation on cold surfaces, not a concentrated patch on an exterior wall. The burden of proof, however, often falls on the tenant to provide a professional assessment.

Therefore, the tenant's first actionable step is to commission a certified mold inspection from a DMCA-approved company like Saniservice. Our investigation includes thermal imaging to identify moisture pockets within the wall and air/surface sampling to speciate the mold and determine the contamination level. This detailed technical report is the key piece of evidence. It definitively identifies the moisture source, separating landlord structural responsibilities from tenant-related humidity control issues.

Present this professional report to the landlord. If the source is a structural leak, they are legally obligated to address it and cover the cost of both the inspection and the remediation. For a definitive answer and to protect your health and property, I strongly recommend you contact our specialists. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 3, 2026 1:49 am