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

In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation is primarily dictated by the terms of your tenancy contract and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, known as the 'Regulating Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai Law'.

Generally, the landlord is responsible for the structural integrity and maintenance of the property's core systems. This includes addressing issues arising from inherent building defects, such as leaking central AC condensation lines, faulty external waterproofing, or structural cracks allowing water ingress. If the mold behind your wardrobe is a result of a penetrating damp issue from an external wall or a concealed plumbing leak within the walls, the remediation responsibility falls on the landlord.

However, the tenant is responsible for damages resulting from their own negligence or misuse. In Dubai's climate, this most commonly relates to tenant-controlled humidity and ventilation. If the mold growth is attributed to a lack of adequate air circulation (e.g., furniture pressed directly against an external wall trapping cold air), failure to use exhaust fans, or not properly operating the provided AC system to control humidity, the tenant may be held liable for the cost of cleaning.

Given that the mold is behind a wardrobe on an external wall and has worsened with humidity, the cause could be a combination of factors. A professional inspection is critical to determine the exact moisture source. Our certified inspectors use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to differentiate between condensation and intrusion, providing an irrefutable report for liability purposes.

For a definitive assessment and to protect your health and tenancy rights, I strongly recommend a professional evaluation. Please contact our team at Saniservice for a comprehensive inspection. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule.