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

Based on UAE rental law, specifically Law No. 26 of 2007, the responsibility for major maintenance and structural issues falls on the landlord. This includes problems with the building's core systems, like the AC unit and the structure it has affected.

The damp smell from your AC and the subsequent black mold growth on the wall are directly linked. This indicates a likely issue with the AC's drainage system, condensate pan, or insulation, which has caused excess moisture to seep into the wall. Since this is a fault of the property's fixture (the AC), the landlord is typically responsible for arranging and paying for the professional inspection and subsequent remediation.

Your first step should be to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photos of the mold and a description of the AC issue. Do this immediately, as delaying can allow the mold to spread and potentially cause health issues. Given that your contract is up for renewal soon, it is crucial to have this documented and resolved beforehand.

We strongly advise against DIY testing in this scenario. A professional mold inspection, including air and surface sampling, is necessary to identify the specific mold type and the full extent of the contamination, especially behind the wardrobe and within the wall cavity. This expert report will be essential evidence for your landlord and to ensure the remediation is done correctly to prevent recurrence.

For a comprehensive assessment and a certified report, you can call our specialists at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We can provide the documentation you need to present to your landlord.