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

Under Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, which regulates the relationship between landlords and tenants, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the property's structure and essential services, including the AC system and its associated components. A persistent AC leak falls under this category of structural maintenance.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord in writing about the leak and the resulting mold, keeping a copy for your records. Given the visible mold and your toddler's ongoing respiratory symptoms, this is a health concern that requires prompt action. The humid Dubai climate accelerates mold growth from any moisture source, making delays problematic.

While the landlord is typically responsible for the repair and remediation costs, the process for the initial inspection can vary. Some landlords will arrange and pay for a professional inspection to assess the extent of the problem. In other cases, a tenant might pay for the initial inspection to document the issue and then seek reimbursement from the landlord, especially if the landlord is being unresponsive.

A professional inspection is crucial here. It will identify the mold species and the source of the moisture—which is often more extensive than what's visible on the surface. This documented evidence from a certified inspector is your strongest tool for requiring the landlord to act and pay for the necessary remediation, which involves fixing the leak, safely removing the contaminated materials, and restoring the wall. For your family's health, consider temporarily moving your toddler to a different room until the issue is resolved.