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

Based on the Dubai Rental Law and the standard tenancy contract stipulations, the responsibility for mold remediation costs typically falls on the landlord, provided the tenant has not caused the issue through negligence.

In your case, the mold in the master bedroom closet is a result of a structural or maintenance deficiency—specifically, the lack of adequate ventilation in an enclosed space. The landlord's claim that it is due to improper ventilation is incorrect, as a built-in closet without a window or ventilation duct cannot be ventilated by the tenant. The initial cause, the humid spell, is a common environmental factor in Dubai's climate, where high humidity and year-round AC use can lead to condensation issues if a property is not properly designed or maintained. This is a building envelope issue, not a tenant lifestyle issue.

The landlord is legally obligated to provide a habitable property and is responsible for rectifying defects that affect the livability of the unit, which includes addressing moisture intrusion and mold growth. You should formally notify the landlord in writing (email is best for a paper trail) of the issue, stating that it is a structural defect affecting your family's health and requesting immediate professional remediation.

Given the visible spread and the associated health symptoms like coughing, I strongly recommend a professional inspection. Self-remediation is not advised for health and legal reasons. Our certified team at Saniservice can conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify the exact moisture source and provide a detailed report, which can be used to formally demonstrate the cause and necessary remediation steps to your landlord. For immediate assistance, please call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com.