Who pays for mold remediation in a rental apartment?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai's rental properties, the responsibility for mold remediation depends on the source of the moisture. The landlord is legally responsible for fixing the underlying cause if it's a structural issue, such as a leaking pipe, faulty waterproofing, or a building envelope defect that allows water ingress. Tenants are typically responsible for remediation if the moisture problem stems from their own actions, like inadequate ventilation leading to condensation.

Given the high humidity in Marina, the cause is often condensation from air conditioning systems or temperature differentials. For the mold in your closet, document its growth with photos and dates, noting the correlation with the humidity spike. Formally notify your landlord or building management in writing about the issue and request they send a technician to identify and repair the moisture source. They are obligated to address it if it's a building-related fault.

Until the source is fixed, any cleaning is temporary. For a spreading issue and health symptoms, a professional inspection is advised to definitively identify the moisture source and the mold species. This provides a factual report you can use with your landlord. Do not attempt to clean significant black mold yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize spores. Focus on getting the landlord to stop the water first; remediation of the mold itself is a subsequent, necessary step.