Who pays for black mold removal in a Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page

In the UAE, the legal responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is primarily governed by the rental contract and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, known as the 'Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai Law'. The general principle is that the landlord is responsible for the property's structural integrity and main building systems, while the tenant is responsible for maintenance resulting from their own misuse or negligence.

The key factor in determining liability is the root cause of the mold. Given your description of it originating from a closet corner and worsening with humidity, the cause is likely a building-related issue. This could be a leaking pipe within the wall, inadequate insulation leading to thermal bridging and condensation (a very common issue in Dubai's high-humidity climate, exacerbated by year-round AC use), or a fault in the building's external waterproofing. In such cases, the financial responsibility for both the professional inspection to identify the source and the subsequent remediation falls on the landlord.

However, if an inspection were to reveal the cause was tenant-related—such as poor ventilation, failing to use the AC to control humidity, or storing wet items in the closet—the cost could be shifted to you.

Your immediate action should be to formally notify your landlord or property management company in Dubai Marina in writing, with photographs. Do not attempt removal yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize toxic spores. A professional inspection is critical to legally establish the cause. We strongly recommend engaging a certified expert like Saniservice to conduct a thorough assessment, including moisture mapping and air quality testing, to provide a definitive report for your landlord.

For immediate professional consultation and to determine the cause, you can call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.