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

Based on UAE Civil Code Law No. 5 of 1985 and the specific Rental Law in Dubai, the responsibility for maintenance of the property's core structure and essential systems, including the central air conditioning, falls squarely on the landlord. This is a well-established legal principle.

The scenario you describe—an AC unit leaking inside a closet, leading to widespread black microbial growth—is a clear case of property maintenance failure, not tenant negligence. The Dubai climate, with its extreme humidity and year-round reliance on AC, means these systems are critical. When they malfunction, they create immediate moisture problems that lead to mold. Your landlord's claim about improper ventilation is invalid, as the root cause is a faulty appliance they are legally obligated to maintain.

The landlord is unequivocally responsible for arranging and paying for the professional inspection and subsequent remediation. A proper inspection is not a simple visual check; it requires certified professionals using tools like moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras, and air/surface sampling to identify the species and extent of contamination, which is crucial for an effective remediation protocol.

You should formally notify your landlord in writing of the issue and their obligation to resolve it. For a definitive assessment to support your case, I recommend contacting a specialist such as Saniservice. They can provide a comprehensive, legally defensible inspection report. You can reach their experts for immediate consultation at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or hello@saniservice.com. Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as improper handling can exacerbate the problem and health risks.