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

In the UAE, the responsibility for addressing mold issues, including the initial inspection, is typically governed by the terms of your tenancy contract and Law No. 26 of 2007, known as the Dubai Rental Law. Generally, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. Since the mold is on an exterior wall and its growth appears linked to a potential building envelope issue (such as water infiltration from outside or inadequate insulation leading to condensation), this falls under the landlord's obligation to provide a habitable dwelling.

However, the tenant is responsible for maintaining the property in a clean and hygienic condition. If the mold growth was a direct result of tenant negligence, such as failing to use the AC to control humidity or blocking ventilation, the responsibility could shift.

Given your description—location on an exterior wall, correlation with high humidity, and rapid spread—this strongly indicates an underlying structural or moisture intrusion problem. You should immediately notify your landlord in writing, detailing the issue and requesting a professional mold inspection. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as improper disturbance can exacerbate spore dispersal.

Given Dubai's high humidity and constant AC use, which can create significant condensation issues within wall cavities, a professional inspection is critical. We at Saniservice use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to identify the precise source of moisture—whether it's a leaking pipe, external water seepage, or condensation due to a thermal bridge—before taking air and surface samples to identify the mold species and concentration. This forensic approach is essential for effective remediation.

For a definitive resolution, we recommend a professional assessment. Please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive inspection.