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

Based on UAE Civil Code and the specific Rental Law in Dubai, the responsibility for maintenance and structural repairs, which includes addressing the root cause of mold, falls squarely on the landlord. This is because mold is typically a symptom of a underlying building issue, such as a hidden water leak from plumbing, seepage from an external wall, or faulty air conditioning drainage—all of which are structural defects the property owner is obligated to rectify.

However, the initial cost of a professional inspection to definitively identify the mold type, its concentration, and the moisture source can be a point of contention. As a tenant, you are responsible for reporting the issue promptly. We highly recommend you do this in writing (email is best) to create a formal record. Given your description of a two-year tenancy in Marina with persistent dampness and visible black mold, this is a serious health and safety issue, especially with children presenting respiratory symptoms. A professional inspection is non-negotiable.

The dampness you describe is a classic issue in Dubai due to our high humidity levels, especially in coastal areas like Marina. Year-round AC use can cause significant condensation if units are not properly maintained or sized correctly, creating the perfect environment for toxic black mold (like Stachybotrys) to thrive behind furniture and in wall cavities.

While you can request the landlord arrange and pay for the inspection, many tenants choose to commission it themselves initially to get immediate, expert results. This provides you with a certified report to present to the landlord, compelling them to act and often making the reimbursement process straightforward.

For a comprehensive assessment that includes air quality sampling, surface testing, and thermal imaging to find the moisture source, contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We provide detailed reports that are legally recognized and can be used to ensure your landlord fulfills their obligation to remediate the problem completely.