Who pays for mold removal in a Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page

We’ve lived in our Discovery Gardens apartment for 2 years and just noticed a large patch of black mold in the corner of our master bedroom closet, behind some stored clothes. It must have been growing slowly for a while, but it's gotten much worse since the humidity spiked last month. I'm worried it's affecting our health and I'm not sure if this is something I should fix myself or if I need to get my landlord involved. What's the standard procedure here for a rental, and who is typically responsible for the cost of professional mold removal in Dubai?
Posted by James Brown
Asked on March 31, 2026 9:11 pm
Based on the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007) and subsequent regulations, the responsibility for mold removal in a rental property is typically determined by the source of the moisture.

The landlord is legally responsible for addressing the mold and covering the cost of remediation if the growth is due to a structural or maintenance issue within their purview. This includes problems like leaking pipes within the walls, faulty AC drainage systems, seepage from external walls or roofs, and inadequate waterproofing or insulation. These are considered fundamental issues with the property itself.

However, if the mold is a direct result of tenant behavior, the tenant would be liable for the costs. In Dubai's high-humidity climate, this includes chronic failure to use the air conditioning to control humidity, obstructing ventilation grilles, drying clothes indoors without proper ventilation, or failing to report a minor leak in a timely manner, allowing mold to proliferate.

In your case at Discovery Gardens, the location behind stored clothes in a closet is a classic indicator of condensation due to restricted airflow, which is often exacerbated by the constant cycling of AC units. A professional inspection is absolutely critical to determine the root cause. Our certified inspectors use moisture meters, thermal imaging, and air quality tests to distinguish condensation from a hidden leak. This evidence-based report is essential for definitively assigning responsibility between you and your landlord.

For a conclusive assessment and to ensure the remediation is handled correctly to prevent recurrence, we strongly recommend a professional evaluation. Contact our team at Saniservice for a comprehensive inspection. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 2, 2026 7:45 am