Who pays for mold remediation in Dubai: tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

This is a common and stressful situation in Dubai. Responsibility typically hinges on the source of the moisture causing the mold.

If the mold is a result of a structural issue like a hidden leak in the building's plumbing, a faulty seal around a window, or inadequate external waterproofing, the landlord is generally responsible for the inspection and remediation costs. This falls under their obligation to provide a habitable property and maintain the structure.

However, if the moisture source is tenant-caused—such as excessive indoor humidity from not using the AC properly, drying clothes indoors without ventilation, or causing a specific spill that wasn't dried—the tenant may be held liable. The constant AC use you mention is actually a necessity here to manage humidity, not a cause, which points to a latent building issue.

Your first step is to formally notify the landlord or property management company in writing with photos, as this is a habitability concern. They should arrange a professional inspection to identify the exact moisture source. A proper inspection involves moisture mapping and often lab analysis of the mold to understand the species, which is critical for determining the correct remediation protocol.

Given the climate, what appears as a small patch often has a much larger hidden colony within the walls, especially behind furniture. Do not attempt to clean this yourself with bleach, as it can aerosolize the spores and spread the problem. Professional remediation with containment and air scrubbing is usually required to properly resolve it and prevent recurrence. The landlord's building insurance may cover this if it's deemed a structural fault.