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

Based on UAE rental law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai, the landlord is unequivocally responsible for addressing this issue. The law mandates that the landlord must undertake all necessary maintenance for the property to remain habitable, which includes repairing the core structural defect—the chronic AC leak—that is causing the mold growth. Your repeated reports to the landlord about the leak establish his clear awareness of the problem.

The mold itself is a direct biological consequence of the unattended water intrusion. In Dubai's humid climate, where AC systems run year-round, a persistent leak creates a perfect environment for rapid mold colonization, especially in enclosed spaces like closets. The presence of black mold indicates a significant and potentially hazardous infestation that requires professional remediation. A simple surface clean by a handyman is insufficient and dangerous, as it fails to address the moisture source or the spores embedded within the wall.

You should formally notify the landlord in writing, referencing your previous complaints, and demand that he engages a certified mold remediation company like Saniservice to conduct a professional inspection and execute the full remediation protocol. This process involves identifying the exact species of mold, containing the area, safely removing contaminated materials (like the affected drywall and clothing), and employing industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air scrubbers to eliminate all spores. The landlord must rectify the root cause (the AC leak) to prevent immediate recurrence.

For immediate professional assessment and to ensure the remediation is handled to international health and safety standards, I recommend you call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. They can provide a detailed report that can be used to formally compel your landlord to act.