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

In Dubai's rental market, the responsibility for mold remediation is primarily dictated by the tenancy contract and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, as amended (the Dubai Rental Law). The general principle is that the landlord is responsible for the maintenance of the property's main structure, including the integrity of plumbing, AC systems, and the building envelope. If the black mold in your Deira closet is a result of a concealed leak from internal plumbing or a faulty AC drain pipe within the building's infrastructure, this constitutes a structural issue. Therefore, the landlord is legally obligated to address the root cause and the resulting damage.

However, as a tenant, you are responsible for informing the landlord of the issue in writing immediately. You are also accountable for maintenance stemming from your own negligence or failure to properly ventilate the property. Given Dubai's extreme humidity and year-round AC use, condensation is a major contributor to mold growth. If the mold is solely due to a lack of air circulation in the closet (e.g., from overpacking or keeping the door closed), the remediation cost may fall to you.

Given your description of a persistent, worsening patch, a professional inspection is critical. We must determine the moisture source—whether it's an active leak or condensation—to assign liability correctly. Attempting to clean visible mold without fixing the underlying moisture issue will result in rapid regrowth.

I strongly recommend you contact your landlord in writing with your concerns and engage a certified mold inspection company like Saniservice. Our experts use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact source. For immediate consultation on your legal and remediation options, call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.