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

Based on the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007) and subsequent regulations, the responsibility for maintenance and repairs of the property's core structure and fixed installations, including the central air conditioning system, falls squarely on the landlord. The leaking AC unit is the definitive source of moisture intrusion, which is a structural or mechanical failure. Therefore, the obligation to investigate and rectify this issue, including arranging and paying for a professional mold inspection to assess the extent of any resultant damage, is the landlord's legal responsibility.

Your landlord's claim that you are at fault for not maintaining the AC is typically invalid unless your tenancy contract explicitly states that you are responsible for full AC servicing. Tenant responsibilities are generally limited to routine, accessible filter cleaning. The persistent leak and resulting microbial growth are direct consequences of a system malfunction, not tenant upkeep.

Given the conditions you describe—a constant leak, visible black spots (highly indicative of active mold colonization), and persistent dampness—this is a serious case requiring immediate professional assessment. The high humidity endemic to Dubai's climate accelerates mold growth, and spores from the wall can quickly compromise indoor air quality, posing potential health risks.

Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize toxins. You should formally notify your landlord in writing of the issue, citing the leaking AC as the cause. Insist that they engage a certified mold inspection company like Saniservice to conduct a comprehensive assessment, including moisture mapping and air quality testing, to determine the full scope of contamination and required remediation.

For immediate expert consultation and to arrange a certified inspection, we recommend you call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.