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

We’ve lived in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for 2 years and just noticed a patch of black, fuzzy mold spreading from the corner of our bedroom ceiling, right near the AC vent. It’s gotten much worse since the humidity spiked last month, and we’re worried about our toddler’s health. Who is legally responsible for handling this and the cost of remediation—me as the tenant or my landlord?
Posted by Wei Sasaki
Asked on April 5, 2026 7:03 am
In the UAE, the legal responsibility for mold remediation is primarily governed by the rental contract and Law No. 26 of 2007, known as the Dubai Rental Law. Typically, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes the building envelope, plumbing, and HVAC systems that are the root cause of most mold issues. The recurring humidity and condensation from year-round AC operation in Dubai, especially during summer months, is a known catalyst. If the mold in your JVC apartment is originating from a leaking pipe, a faulty AC drain line (a very common issue), or a construction defect allowing moisture ingress, the financial and remedial responsibility falls on the landlord.

However, as a tenant, you have an obligation to maintain the property's cleanliness and report any issues promptly. Your timely notification to the landlord or property management company is critical. Failure to report a problem that then worsens could potentially lead to a dispute over liability for damages.

Given that the mold is near the AC vent and has spread significantly, this indicates a serious moisture issue that requires professional diagnosis. A certified mold inspection is essential to identify the exact moisture source (e.g., clogged condensate drain, poor insulation causing thermal bridging) and the extent of contamination. DIY attempts often spread spores and fail to address the root cause.

For a definitive assessment and to protect your family's health, especially with a toddler, I strongly recommend contacting our specialists at Saniservice. We can provide a comprehensive inspection and a legally valid report to present to your landlord. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an evaluation.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 8, 2026 5:46 am