Who pays for mold inspection as a tenant in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai's rental law, the responsibility typically falls on the landlord to maintain the property in a habitable condition, which includes addressing structural issues leading to mold. As a tenant, you are responsible for reporting the issue in writing to the landlord or property management company as soon as it is discovered. The presence of black spots along the carpet edge, exacerbated by recent humidity, strongly suggests a moisture issue that needs professional diagnosis.

Given the symptoms you describe and the visible growth, a professional inspection is advisable to identify the moisture source and mold type. In Jumeirah Village Circle, common causes are condensation from AC units, leaking pipes, or moisture wicking from the concrete slab beneath the carpet. The landlord should arrange and pay for this diagnostic inspection, as it determines the cause—a structural repair would be their financial responsibility. However, if the inspection reveals the cause was tenant negligence (e.g., failure to use AC, leading to excess humidity), costs could be reassigned.

For your immediate steps, document the issue with photos and formally notify your landlord via email or registered letter, citing your concerns about your family's health and the property's condition. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. A certified inspection report from a company with its own microbiology lab is crucial, as it provides legally defensible evidence of the species and moisture source.