Who is responsible for mold inspection: tenant or landlord?« 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. It's been incredibly humid lately, and I'm worried it's getting worse. Who is responsible for arranging and paying for a proper mold inspection, me as the tenant or my landlord?
Posted by Noura Al-Maktoum
Asked on March 29, 2026 7:31 pm
In the UAE, the responsibility for mold inspection and remediation is typically dictated by the tenancy contract and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, also known as the Dubai Rental Law. Generally, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. This includes addressing issues arising from inherent building defects, such as faulty waterproofing, leaking central AC systems, or structural cracks that allow moisture ingress, which are common catalysts for mold in Dubai's humid climate.

As a tenant, your responsibility is to maintain the property in a clean and habitable condition. This includes operating the AC consistently to manage indoor humidity, ensuring proper ventilation to prevent condensation, and promptly reporting any signs of water damage or mold to the landlord in writing. If the mold growth in your JVC closet is a result of a lifestyle factor you introduced (e.g., severely restricting AC use, storing damp items), you may be liable.

However, given the description of a spreading patch in a closet—a classic location for condensation issues or concealed pipe leaks—this likely points to an underlying environmental or structural moisture problem. The persistent high humidity only exacerbates it. Therefore, your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company. They should arrange and pay for a professional inspection to determine the exact moisture source.

Attempting to clean it superficially without identifying and rectifying the root cause is a temporary fix. A certified mold inspection, like those conducted by Saniservice, involves thermal imaging, moisture mapping, and air quality testing to pinpoint the origin. This technical report is crucial for assigning responsibility and guiding proper remediation. For immediate professional assessment, I recommend contacting our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive evaluation.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 1, 2026 8:07 am