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

Based on my experience with mold inspections in Dubai, the responsibility for remediation costs depends heavily on the source of the moisture. Under standard UAE tenancy contracts, the landlord is typically responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. This includes fixing leaks from plumbing, AC drain lines, or the building envelope, and covering the cost of subsequent mold remediation.

However, if the moisture issue is a result of tenant negligence—such as failing to use the AC to control humidity, not reporting a minor leak promptly, or poor ventilation leading to condensation—then the financial responsibility for both the repair and the mold removal could fall on the tenant. The recent humidity spike you mentioned is a key factor; while the landlord is responsible for ensuring the AC unit and building are functioning correctly to handle our climate, tenants are generally expected to use these systems appropriately to prevent condensation.

Given that the mold is in a closet and getting worse, a hidden leak from the AC condensate drain or a pipe in the wall is a strong possibility. I strongly recommend you immediately notify your landlord in writing and request a professional mold inspection. A certified inspector can use moisture meters and thermal imaging to pinpoint the exact water source, which will definitively determine liability. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as disturbing it can spread spores.

For a definitive assessment and to get the process started, you can call our team at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We can provide a detailed report for your landlord that outlines the cause and required remediation steps.