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

Our master bedroom closet, the one on the inside wall, has started to get these black specks along the baseboards. It's been especially humid the last couple of months and the smell is really musty whenever I open the doors. I’ve tried wiping it down but it just comes back. Who is responsible for getting a proper mold inspection done here, me as the tenant or my landlord?
Posted by Marie Durand
Asked on March 16, 2026 2:12 am
In the UAE, the responsibility for addressing mold issues, including the initial inspection, generally falls upon the property owner or landlord. This is supported by the principle of the landlord's obligation to provide a habitable and well-maintained property under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007). The tenant's responsibility is typically to maintain cleanliness and report any such defects or maintenance issues promptly to the landlord in writing.

Your description of black specks on the interior wall baseboard, a persistent musty odor, and recurrence after cleaning are classic indicators of an active mold colony, likely fueled by the high ambient humidity we experience in Dubai. This is often exacerbated by condensation from air conditioning systems running year-round, which can create microclimates of excess moisture within closets and behind furniture.

While a landlord may attempt a superficial clean, your case requires a professional mold inspection. A certified inspector will not only identify the visible growth but, crucially, use tools like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to locate the source of the moisture intrusion. This is the only way to ensure effective remediation; without eliminating the moisture source, the mold will consistently return.

I strongly recommend you formally notify your landlord of the issue and insist on a professional assessment. For a comprehensive inspection that follows international standards and provides a detailed report for your landlord, you can contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an evaluation. This report will definitively outline the cause and scope, clarifying the necessary remedial actions for the landlord to undertake.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 17, 2026 8:23 pm