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

In Dubai, the responsibility for mold removal in a rental property typically falls on the landlord, as per standard tenancy contract terms. The landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and addressing issues related to the building’s envelope, such as leaks or seepage that lead to mold growth. This includes fixing the root cause, like a leaking pipe or inadequate insulation causing condensation.

However, the situation can become complicated. If the mold growth is determined to be a result of tenant negligence—such as a failure to use the AC adequately to control humidity, not reporting a leak promptly, or poor ventilation leading to excessive moisture—the cost of remediation may be shifted to the tenant.

Given your description—a patch spreading from near the AC vent on the ceiling, exacerbated by recent high humidity—this strongly points to an underlying moisture issue. This could be insufficient insulation causing condensation (very common with Dubai's year-round AC use and high external humidity) or a leak from the unit or pipework. A professional inspection is crucial to identify the exact source. This documented report is your strongest evidence when discussing responsibility with the landlord.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photos, and request a professional mold inspection to diagnose the source. Do not attempt to remove it yourself, as improper cleaning can disturb toxic spores and worsen airborne contamination. The remediation is only effective once the moisture source is permanently resolved.