Who pays for hidden mold remediation, tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

Based on my extensive experience with mold remediation in Dubai, this is a very common and often contentious issue between tenants and landlords.

The general legal principle under UAE tenancy law, particularly Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, places the responsibility for major structural repairs and maintenance on the landlord. This includes issues arising from inherent building defects, such as a hidden leak within the wall or faulty plumbing that is not due to tenant misuse. Since you've just discovered the mold behind a fixed piece of furniture, it strongly suggests a long-term, concealed moisture source that is the landlord's responsibility to address.

However, the landlord's argument about not reporting it sooner is a common deflection. Tenants cannot report what they cannot see. The crucial factor is the source of the moisture. If our professional inspection confirms the leak is from an internal pipe or the building's exterior envelope, the remediation cost falls squarely on the landlord. The tenant is typically only responsible for damages caused by their own negligence, like failing to use an exhaust fan and causing excessive humidity.

For a case like yours in Discovery Gardens, where construction can sometimes lead to lingering issues, a professional inspection is absolutely critical. We would perform a comprehensive assessment, including moisture mapping and thermal imaging, to definitively identify the water source. This report is your key piece of evidence to present to the landlord, as it provides an expert, unbiased determination of liability.

Do not attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing a large patch of black mold can aerosolize spores and create a significant health hazard.

For a definitive answer and to get the process started, I strongly recommend a certified inspection. Call our team at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a thorough assessment and get the proper documentation for your landlord.