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

Based on UAE tenancy law and common practice in Dubai, the responsibility for arranging and paying for a mold inspection is typically determined by the source of the problem. As a certified mold specialist, I see cases like your Jumeirah Village Circle apartment frequently, especially given Dubai's high humidity levels and the constant use of air conditioning, which can lead to condensation issues.

If the mold growth in your closet is a result of a structural defect, such as a leaking pipe within the wall, a faulty external waterproofing membrane, or an inherent construction issue allowing moisture ingress from the outside, then the financial responsibility falls upon the landlord. The landlord is obligated to maintain the property's structural integrity under Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended).

However, if the cause is determined to be tenant-related, such as inadequate ventilation, failure to use the AC to control humidity, or drying clothes indoors, the tenant would likely be responsible for the inspection and any subsequent remediation costs.

Given your description of fuzzy black growth on an exterior wall that is worsening with humidity, this strongly suggests an external moisture intrusion. This is a serious case requiring professional assessment. A certified inspector will use tools like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to identify the precise moisture source and take air/surface samples to determine the spore concentration and species, which is critical for planning the correct remediation strategy.

I strongly recommend you contact your landlord immediately, inform them of the issue with photographic evidence, and request a professional inspection. For a definitive diagnosis and a legally valid report, you can engage our services at Saniservice. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive assessment.