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

In Dubai, the responsibility for mold inspection and remediation is primarily governed by the rental contract and Law No. 26 of 2007, also known as the Dubai Rental Law. The law generally places the responsibility for major structural repairs and issues related to the property's core infrastructure on the landlord. This includes problems with the building envelope, such as leaks from external walls or roof defects that lead to water intrusion and subsequent mold growth.

However, the responsibility can shift to the tenant if the mold is proven to be a result of the tenant's negligence, such as failing to use the air conditioning system properly to control humidity, causing excessive internal condensation, or not reporting a minor leak in a timely manner which then escalated. Given Dubai's high humidity levels, especially during summer, and the year-round reliance on AC, condensation is a common cause of mold behind large furniture like wardrobes, where air circulation is restricted.

Your situation—dampness on an external wall following a period of high humidity—strongly suggests an environmental condensation issue, potentially exacerbated by the building's insulation properties. This is a common scenario in the region. The first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the suspected mold and moisture issue. They are typically obligated to address the source of the dampness.

For a definitive assessment and to protect your family's health, I highly recommend a professional mold inspection. A certified inspector will conduct air and surface sampling to identify the species and concentration of mold spores, which is critical for understanding the health risk and determining the appropriate remediation protocol. They will also use moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to pinpoint the exact source of the moisture without destructive testing.

For immediate assistance with a thorough inspection and a formal report that can be presented to your landlord, contact our experts at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We can provide the documentation needed to clarify liability and ensure the problem is resolved correctly.