Who is responsible for mold remediation as a tenant?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai, responsibility for mold remediation typically falls on the property owner or landlord, not the tenant. This is because mold is often the result of a building defect, such as a hidden water leak from plumbing or a faulty AC drain line, or inadequate waterproofing that allows moisture to seep in from outside. These are structural issues the tenant is not responsible for maintaining.

Your first step is to formally notify your building management and landlord in writing, with clear photos of the mold. They are generally obligated to investigate and fix the source of the moisture. The climate here, with high humidity and year-round AC use, creates perfect conditions for mold growth if any condensation or water intrusion issues exist.

For a patch spreading behind furniture, a professional inspection is strongly recommended to identify the hidden moisture source. Remediation isn't just cleaning the visible mold; it's fixing the water problem first. Without addressing the root cause, it will return quickly.

While you wait for a response, you can help manage the environment. Move the wardrobe away from the wall to improve air circulation, and ensure your AC is running efficiently to reduce indoor humidity levels. Do not attempt to clean significant growth yourself, as disturbing it can release spores and worsen air quality. The landlord should arrange for proper containment and removal by a trained remediation team.