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

We've lived in our Jumeirah villa for two years and just noticed a patch of black mold spreading along the back wall of the master bedroom closet. It seems to have gotten worse since the heavy humidity started a few weeks ago. Our landlord is saying it's our fault for not ventilating properly, but we run the AC constantly. Who is legally responsible for arranging and paying for a proper mold inspection here in Dubai?
Posted by Fatima Al-Hamdi
Asked on April 10, 2026 6:15 am
In Dubai, the responsibility for mold inspection and remediation in a rental property is typically governed by the terms of your tenancy contract and the Dubai Rental Law. Generally, structural issues and problems inherent to the property itself are the landlord's responsibility. Mold resulting from a building defect, such as a hidden water leak from a pipe in the wall, a faulty external seal, or inadequate insulation leading to condensation within the wall cavity, falls under this category.

However, if the mold is conclusively proven to be a direct result of tenant negligence—such as failing to use the provided AC system, causing excessive internal humidity through activities like drying clothes indoors without ventilation, or not reporting a minor leak that then escalated—the tenant may be held liable.

Given the climate in Dubai, with its extreme humidity and the necessity of year-round AC, condensation is a common culprit. The landlord's claim that you did not ventilate properly while running the AC is often contradictory; AC units are designed to dehumidify. This suggests an underlying issue like an undersized or malfunctioning AC unit, poor thermal insulation causing cold bridges, or an external moisture intrusion.

For a definitive determination of cause and liability, a professional inspection is mandatory. A certified mold inspector will conduct air and surface sampling to identify the spore types and concentration levels and perform a thorough moisture mapping investigation to locate the precise source of the moisture. This technical report is the key evidence required to resolve the dispute with your landlord.

Do not attempt to clean significant growth yourself, as improper handling can exacerbate the problem. For a conclusive inspection and detailed report to establish liability, we recommend contacting our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive assessment.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 10, 2026 10:30 pm