Who pays for mold inspection in Dubai, tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed a patch of black mold spreading from the corner of our bedroom closet, which is on an interior wall. It’s gotten much worse since the heavy rains in Sharjah last month, and I'm worried it's affecting my allergies. Who is responsible for arranging and paying for a proper mold inspection here in Dubai, the tenant or the landlord?
Posted by Rajesh Tiwari
Asked on March 17, 2026 1:46 pm
Based on UAE rental law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the responsibility for the structural integrity and maintenance of the property's main components falls upon the landlord. This includes issues arising from inherent building defects, such as faulty waterproofing, leaking central AC systems, or construction flaws that lead to water ingress—a primary cause of mold growth in Dubai's humid climate.

However, the tenant is typically responsible for damages resulting from their own negligence or misuse, such as failing to operate the AC properly to control humidity, causing excessive condensation, or failing to report a minor leak that then escalates. The heavy rains in Sharjah likely exacerbated an existing vulnerability.

In your case, where the mold is spreading from an interior wall corner following a significant weather event, this strongly suggests an underlying moisture issue from within the building envelope. This would generally be the landlord's responsibility to investigate and rectify.

For a definitive determination of the moisture source and extent of contamination, a professional inspection is critical. DIY assessments are insufficient as they miss hidden mold within wall cavities. A certified inspector will conduct a visual assessment, use moisture meters and thermal imaging to trace the water source, and perform air and surface sampling to identify the mold species and spore concentration levels, which is crucial for understanding health implications and planning remediation.

To get a formal report that definitively assigns responsibility, we recommend you contact a professional service. Saniservice can provide a comprehensive inspection to identify the root cause and provide the documentation needed to address this with your landlord. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an assessment.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 19, 2026 8:44 pm