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

In the UAE, the legal responsibility for mold inspection and remediation in a rental property is primarily governed by the rental contract and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, as amended (the 'Dubai Rental Law'). Generally, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity and ensuring it is habitable. This includes addressing issues arising from inherent building defects, such as water infiltration through walls, leaking pipes within the structure, or faulty AC drainage systems—common causes after heavy rains.

If the mold, as in your case, appears on an exterior wall following a weather event and you maintain consistent AC use for ventilation and humidity control, the root cause is likely a structural moisture intrusion. This places the responsibility on the landlord to arrange and pay for a professional inspection to diagnose the source. The tenant is typically responsible for damages resulting from negligence, such as failing to use the AC, causing excessive internal condensation, or directly causing water damage. Merely alleging improper ventilation is insufficient without evidence, especially given Dubai's high humidity levels that necessitate year-round AC operation to manage indoor moisture.

For a definitive resolution, a professional inspection is critical. Our certified mold inspectors use thermal imaging, moisture meters, and borescopes to identify the exact moisture source and extent of contamination. This evidence-based report is vital for determining liability. We recommend you formally request the landlord to address this issue, citing your due diligence with AC operation. For an immediate, professional assessment to protect your health and establish facts, you can call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Saniservice provides legally defensible inspection reports that are essential for resolving such disputes between tenants and landlords.