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

In the UAE, the responsibility and associated costs for mold remediation are typically determined by the cause of the moisture, as outlined in standard tenancy contract clauses. Given your description of a leaking AC unit in a Jumeirah villa, the financial responsibility for the mold removal almost certainly falls to the landlord or property management company. The leak is a maintenance issue with the property's fixed installation, which the landlord is obligated to address under Dubai rental law.

The subsequent mold growth is a direct result of that unattended leak, compounded by our high humidity levels which accelerate microbial proliferation. As the tenant, your responsibility is to report such issues promptly, which you have done. Failure to report can sometimes make a tenant liable for exacerbated damages, but that does not appear to be the case here.

However, immediate action is critical. Black mold indicates a prolonged moisture issue. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this will only temporarily remove the surface discoloration without addressing the root moisture problem or the hidden hyphal roots within the wall. Improper cleaning can aerosolize spores, spreading the contamination further.

We strongly recommend a professional assessment. Our certified inspectors can conduct a thorough investigation using moisture meters and thermal imaging to identify the full extent of the water intrusion and mold colonization, even inside the wall cavity. This provides a definitive report for your landlord and a scope of work for proper remediation, which involves containment, HEPA filtration, and antimicrobial treatment to ensure it is resolved safely and completely.

For immediate advice and to schedule an inspection, please call our experts at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com.