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

Based on the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007) and standard tenancy contract stipulations, the responsibility for mold remediation is typically determined by the source of the moisture.

As a tenant, you are responsible for maintaining the interior of the property and reporting issues promptly. The landlord is responsible for the property's structural integrity and ensuring it is habitable, which includes addressing issues like leaking pipes, faulty AC drainage, or seepage from external walls that lead to mold growth.

Given your situation in Jumeirah Village Triangle, the first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the discovery. They are generally obligated to arrange and pay for a professional mold inspection to determine the root cause. The high humidity and constant AC usage common in Dubai create perfect conditions for mold, especially in enclosed spaces like closets where air circulation is poor. If the inspection reveals the cause is a structural or maintenance issue (e.g., a leak in the building's envelope or a faulty AC unit), the landlord bears the cost for both the inspection and the subsequent remediation.

However, if the investigation concludes the mold resulted from tenant negligence—such as lack of ventilation, failure to use AC to control humidity, or blocking airflow with storage—you could be held financially responsible.

We strongly advise against DIY assessment. A professional inspection is critical to accurately identify the moisture source and mold species, which dictates the correct remediation protocol. For a definitive assessment and to ensure your rights are protected, we recommend contacting our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive inspection and receive a detailed report on the cause and necessary corrective actions.