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

We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed these black speckles growing along the corner of our master bedroom wall, right behind the wardrobe. It’s been getting worse since the humidity spiked a few weeks ago. My landlord is saying it's because we don't run the AC enough, but we keep it on 24/7. Who is actually responsible for arranging and paying for a proper mold inspection in a rental, the tenant or the landlord?
Posted by William Wilson
Asked on March 22, 2026 7:20 pm
Based on UAE rental law and the specific conditions in Dubai, the responsibility for addressing and paying for a mold inspection and subsequent remediation generally falls upon the landlord. The landlord is legally obligated to provide a habitable property that is free from structural defects and health hazards, which includes issues arising from inherent building problems or faulty installations.

Your situation is a classic example of a common Dubai issue. The black speckles behind the wardrobe are a clear indicator of a condensation problem. While running the AC 24/7 helps, it does not address the root cause. The wardrobe placed directly against the wall creates a dead air space with no circulation, allowing moisture from the highly humid ambient air to condense on the cooler wall surface, providing the perfect environment for mold growth. This is a structural ventilation issue, not a result of tenant negligence.

For a definitive, legally-admissible answer, a professional inspection is required. Our certified inspectors use thermal imaging cameras to identify temperature differentials and moisture meters to quantify the moisture content within the wall structure. This data is crucial to determine the exact cause and create a scope of work for remediation. We then provide a detailed report that can be used to formally communicate with your landlord or the Dubai Rental Dispute Center.

For a thorough inspection and expert report, we strongly recommend you contact our specialists. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an assessment.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 24, 2026 7:34 pm