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

Based on the Dubai Rental Law and standard tenancy contract stipulations, the responsibility for mold remediation costs is typically determined by the root cause of the moisture issue.

Fundamentally, the landlord is responsible for the structural integrity and maintenance of the property's core systems. This includes the building envelope (walls, windows), plumbing within the walls, and the central air conditioning system. If the black mold in your closet is a result of a hidden water leak from a pipe, penetrating dampness from a faulty external wall seal, or improper functioning of the central AC unit leading to excessive condensation, the financial responsibility for the investigation and remediation falls squarely on the landlord. The humidity in Dubai, especially during summer months, will aggressively exploit any such weaknesses in the building's structure or climate control systems.

However, as a tenant, you have a responsibility to properly ventilate the premises and use the provided amenities in a way that prevents moisture accumulation. If the mold growth is deemed to be a direct result of tenant negligence—such as severely obstructing ventilation grilles, failing to use the AC to control humidity, or creating persistent moisture sources without adequate drying—you could be held liable for the costs.

Given that the mold is on an internal wall and has been developing over months, a professional inspection is absolutely critical to determine the exact cause. We strongly recommend you contact your landlord immediately and request a professional mold assessment. Do not attempt to clean significant fungal growth yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize toxic spores and contaminate the entire apartment.

Our team at Saniservice are certified mold inspection and remediation specialists. We use thermal imaging, moisture meters, and air quality testing to forensically identify the moisture source and provide a definitive report on liability. We can then execute the necessary containment, remediation, and post-clearance testing to ensure the space is safe. For immediate advice and to schedule an inspection, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.