Who is responsible for mold remediation in UAE rental?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing for the past few weeks and I suspect it’s from the black mold that’s been growing in the corner of our master bedroom closet since the heavy rains in Sharjah last month. I’ve told my landlord about the leak in the ceiling, but they’re being slow to respond and I’m worried about my family's health. Who is legally responsible for arranging and paying for the mold remediation and air quality testing here in the UAE, me as the tenant or the building owner?
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The landlord is legally responsible for mold remediation if it stems from a structural issue, like the roof leak you described. Under UAE tenancy law, the property owner must maintain the structure to ensure it is habitable. Since the mold appeared after the heavy rains and is due to a leak, this is a maintenance issue for the owner to resolve.
Document everything: take clear photos of the mold and the leak source, and keep a written record of all communications with your landlord. For health concerns with persistent symptoms, a professional inspection is advised to confirm the mold type and extent. In Dubai's climate, indoor AC use can spread spores, so the issue often extends beyond the visible spot. Send a formal written notice to the landlord or property management company, referencing the leak and the resulting mold. If they remain unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the relevant rental dispute committee (RDSC or RERA) in your emirate. They can issue an order for the landlord to conduct the necessary repairs and remediation. You are not typically expected to pay for fixing the landlord's property defects. |
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