Who is responsible for mold remediation cost in rental?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the circumstances you've described, the landlord is almost certainly legally responsible for the cost of remediation. In the UAE, specifically under Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai), the landlord is obligated to maintain the property in a condition that is habitable and to carry out all major maintenance. This includes addressing structural defects, such as hidden leaks in walls or plumbing, which are the primary cause of the mold growth you've discovered.

Your landlord's claim that inadequate ventilation is at fault is a common but often incorrect deflection. While tenant activities can contribute to humidity, the presence of a "huge patch" of mold emanating from a corner strongly indicates a persistent moisture source from within the building envelope—a clear structural issue. The Dubai climate, with its high humidity and the resulting condensation, exacerbates these hidden leaks, but the root cause remains the landlord's responsibility to fix. Merely running the AC is a mitigation tactic, not a solution for a building defect.

For a case of this severity, a professional inspection and lab testing are critical. This will definitively identify the moisture source, classify the mold type, and create a scope of work for proper remediation, which will be necessary evidence if the landlord continues to dispute responsibility. The remediation process must address the source of the water intrusion first, followed by the safe removal of contaminated materials and application of antimicrobial treatments.

I strongly recommend you immediately contact a certified professional. Our team at Saniservice can provide a comprehensive inspection, detailed lab report, and a formal remediation proposal. This documentation will be essential in your communications with the landlord. For immediate assistance, please call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.