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

In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation is primarily dictated by the terms of your tenancy contract and the Dubai Rental Law. Typically, structural issues and faults within the building's fabric—such as leaks from pipes in the walls, faulty AC drainage, or waterproofing failures—are the legal responsibility of the landlord to rectify. The discovery of mold behind a wardrobe, likely due to an undetected leak, falls into this category. The landlord is generally obligated to address the source of the moisture and the resultant remediation.

However, tenant responsibilities include maintaining the property through adequate ventilation to combat Dubai's high humidity and year-round AC use, which can cause condensation. If the mold growth were due to tenant negligence, such as failing to use exhaust fans or reporting a leak promptly, liability could shift.

Given your situation in Jumeirah Village Circle, the first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photos, to document the issue. Do not attempt to remove it yourself, as improper handling can exacerbate spore dispersal. A professional inspection is critical to identify the exact moisture source, assess the extent of contamination, and provide a certified report that definitively establishes causality—this is essential for determining liability.

For a comprehensive inspection and remediation protocol that meets Dubai Municipality standards, I recommend contacting our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an assessment. This will provide the documentation needed to ensure your landlord addresses this health and safety issue promptly, especially before renewing your contract.