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

As a certified mold remediation specialist operating in Dubai, this is a scenario we encounter frequently, especially in high-humidity coastal areas like Jumeirah. The constant AC operation, combined with external humidity and condensation from a leaking unit, creates the perfect environment for Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold) proliferation, which is a known respiratory irritant.

Under UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is fundamentally responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity and ensuring it is habitable. This includes the maintenance of central air conditioning systems and any resultant damage, such as water leaks leading to mold. The tenant's responsibility is typically limited to reporting the issue in a timely manner and any damage caused by their own negligence, which does not appear to be the case here.

Your first actionable step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the AC leak and the mold discovery, including photographs. This establishes a legal paper trail. Do not attempt to clean the mold yourself, especially with bleach, as improper agitation can aerosolize mycotoxins and exacerbate your child's allergic symptoms.

Given the visible growth and the direct health impact on your family, a professional inspection is non-negotiable. We use thermal imaging to locate moisture pockets and air/o-surface sampling to identify spore types and concentrations, which is crucial for devising the correct remediation protocol. The landlord is generally obligated to cover the costs of both the inspection to determine the cause and the subsequent remediation, as it stems from a building system failure.

For immediate assistance with a certified inspection and a detailed report for your landlord, I recommend contacting our team at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We can provide the technical documentation required to ensure the landlord addresses this health hazard promptly and correctly.