Who is responsible for mold removal in my Dubai apartment?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai's climate, high humidity and year-round AC use create a prime environment for mold growth, particularly in hidden areas like behind furniture where condensation can accumulate unnoticed. Determining responsibility for mold removal hinges on the source of the moisture.

Legally, the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007) typically places the responsibility for structural repairs and addressing issues arising from inherent building defects on the landlord. This includes problems like leaking pipes in the walls, faulty external waterproofing, or defective AC ducts that cause condensation. If the mold is a result of such a structural issue, the landlord is financially responsible for the remediation.

However, if the mold growth is conclusively proven to be solely due to tenant negligence—such as a complete failure to use the provided AC system, improper ventilation, or damage caused by the tenant that allowed moisture ingress—the cost may fall to the tenant. Merely running the AC is often not sufficient; proper maintenance, such as ensuring no furniture is sealed tightly against walls to allow for air circulation, is also a factor.

Given that the mold was hidden behind a wardrobe and you actively use the AC, this strongly suggests a condensation issue related to the building's envelope or a lack of airflow, which is not tenant negligence. We highly recommend you do not attempt to remove a "huge patch" yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize toxic spores and spread the contamination.

Your first step must be a professional indoor environmental inspection. A certified mold assessor can identify the precise moisture source through thermal imaging and moisture meters, take air and surface samples to determine the species and toxicity of the mold, and provide a definitive report on the cause. This report is crucial evidence for discussing responsibility with your landlord.

For a comprehensive inspection and legally defensible report, contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a assessment. We can determine the cause and provide a certified remediation protocol.