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

In Dubai's rental properties, the responsibility and cost allocation for a mold inspection are typically dictated by the tenancy contract and the overarching principles of Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, known as the 'Regulating Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai Law'.

The fundamental legal principle is that the landlord is obligated to provide and maintain the property in a habitable condition. This includes addressing underlying issues affecting the property's structure and the health and safety of its occupants. Since your mold growth is directly linked to a malfunctioning AC unit (a fixture) causing persistent moisture ingress, the root cause is a maintenance issue. Therefore, the landlord is legally responsible for remedying the fault and its consequences. This includes arranging and paying for a professional mold inspection to determine the full extent of the contamination, which is often not visible, as moisture can travel within wall cavities.

A superficial wipe, as suggested by your landlord, is inadequate and potentially hazardous. In Dubai's high-humidity climate, constant AC operation leads to significant condensation; if the drain line is blocked or the unit is dripping, it creates a perpetual moisture source perfect for toxic mold growth like Aspergillus or Stachybotrys behind walls.

For a definitive assessment and a report that holds legal weight with your landlord, you require a certified mold inspection. This involves moisture mapping, thermal imaging, and air/surface sampling to identify species and spore counts. I strongly recommend you contact a professional service like Saniservice. Their certified inspectors can provide a detailed report that clearly outlines the cause, extent, and necessary remediation steps, which you can then present to your landlord. For immediate advice and to schedule an inspection, call them at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Do not delay, as this is a health and structural integrity issue.