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

My kids have been coughing a lot this winter, and I finally pulled the sofa away from the wall in our Jumeirah villa to find a huge patch of black mold spreading from the corner. The landlord says it's our fault for poor ventilation, but we keep the AC on constantly. Who is actually responsible for getting this cleaned up and paying for it, the tenant or the owner?
Posted by Youssef Al-Sayed
Asked on April 2, 2026 10:35 pm
Based on UAE tenancy law and the specific climate conditions of Dubai, the responsibility for mold removal is typically determined by the source of the moisture. The landlord's argument that poor ventilation is the tenant's fault is a common but often incorrect assumption.

The landlord is legally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. This includes ensuring the building envelope is watertight and that the AC system, a critical component in Dubai's humid climate, is functioning correctly and serviced regularly. The mold you describe spreading from a corner is a strong indicator of a potential leak from a pipe within the wall, a crack in the external façade, or a faulty AC condensation drain line—all of which are structural issues and unequivocally the landlord's responsibility to investigate and rectify. While tenants are responsible for day-to-day ventilation, such as opening windows when humidity is low, the requirement to run AC "constantly" to combat the extreme heat and humidity actually helps to dehumidify the air and prevent mold, not cause it.

For a definitive determination, a professional inspection is essential. Our certified mold inspectors use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to identify the exact source of the moisture intrusion. This evidence is crucial for resolving disputes with landlords. Given the health symptoms your children are experiencing, this is a serious matter that requires immediate professional remediation to ensure the mold is safely removed and the underlying moisture issue is permanently resolved.

For a comprehensive inspection and a detailed report that can be presented to your landlord, I strongly recommend you contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an assessment.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 4, 2026 3:30 pm