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

As a certified mold inspector in the UAE, this is a very common and serious issue, particularly in humid climates like Dubai. The responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is typically determined by the source of the moisture.

Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. This includes addressing issues like leaking pipes, faulty window seals, or inadequate external waterproofing that lead to water intrusion and mold growth. The heavy dew you mention is a key factor; it indicates condensation due to the high humidity and constant air conditioning use, which is often exacerbated by poor thermal insulation in the window frames—a structural defect.

However, if the mold is solely due to tenant negligence, such as a complete lack of ventilation, failing to use AC, or creating excessive internal moisture, the tenant may be liable. Given that the mold is on the window frames and worsened after weather events, this strongly suggests an underlying structural or insulation issue.

Your first step must be a professional inspection. DIY tests are unreliable. A certified inspector, like those at Saniservice, will conduct air and surface sampling to identify the mold species (e.g., Stachybotrys, the true "black mold") and, crucially, use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact moisture source. This report is your definitive evidence for the landlord.

Do not attempt removal yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize toxins and exacerbate your children's respiratory symptoms. For a definitive assessment and to resolve the issue with your landlord, I strongly recommend you call professionals at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for a comprehensive inspection and expert remediation quote.