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

Based on UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is determined by the root cause of the issue. The landlord is legally obligated to maintain the property's structural integrity. Therefore, if the mold is a result of a structural defect, such as a leaking pipe within the walls, a roof leak, or faulty construction leading to water seepage (a common issue after heavy fog and rain), the financial responsibility for the repair and subsequent professional mold removal falls entirely on the landlord.

However, the tenant is responsible for damage resulting from negligence or misuse. In the high-humidity climate of Dubai, this primarily relates to ventilation. If the mold is conclusively due to a failure to use the air conditioning system adequately to control humidity, not using exhaust fans in bathrooms, or persistently allowing condensation to build up, the tenant may be liable for the remediation costs.

Your situation, with a significant expanding patch following foggy weather, strongly indicates an external moisture intrusion or a condensation issue related to the building's envelope or HVAC system. This is a serious concern that goes beyond simple surface cleaning. The dampness on your clothes signifies active growth and potential contamination of your belongings.

We strongly recommend you immediately notify your landlord in writing about the issue and request a professional inspection. DIY attempts can exacerbate the problem and spread spores. A certified inspector, like our team at Saniservice, will perform a moisture survey and air quality testing to definitively identify the source—whether it's a leak or condensation from the AC unit—and provide a legally valid report to determine liability.

For a definitive assessment and to protect your health and property, call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive inspection.