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

Based on UAE Civil Code and Dubai rental law, the responsibility for structural issues and building envelope defects, which include hidden moisture problems leading to mold, falls squarely on the landlord. The damp, cold wall you describe behind the closet is a strong indicator of a potential leak or, more commonly in Dubai, a condensation issue due to thermal bridging. Your responsibility as a tenant is limited to reporting the issue promptly and allowing reasonable access for inspection and remediation.

Given the discovery of active mold growth, a professional inspection is not just recommended but essential. A certified inspector will conduct a comprehensive assessment, including moisture mapping with thermal imaging and hygrometers to identify the precise source of the dampness—be it a leaking pipe, inadequate insulation causing condensation from year-round AC use, or external water intrusion. Air and surface sampling will then identify the mold species and spore concentration to determine the appropriate remediation protocol.

Attempting to clean this yourself is inadvisable, as disturbing the mold can aerosolize spores and spread the contamination. The underlying moisture problem must be solved first.

For a definitive report that outlines liability and the required corrective actions, I strongly recommend you contact a professional service. Saniservice provides certified mold inspections in line with IICRC standards. They can be reached at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or hello@saniservice.com. Present their findings to your landlord to ensure the issue is resolved correctly and permanently.