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

In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is typically dictated by the lease agreement and the underlying cause of the growth. Under Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (Amended by Law No. 33 of 2008), the landlord is legally obligated to provide a habitable property and maintain the structural integrity of the building. This includes addressing issues arising from inherent building defects, such as leaking pipes, faulty external waterproofing, or defective AC drainage systems that lead to chronic dampness.

However, tenant responsibilities include maintaining the property in a clean and sanitary condition. If the mold growth is a direct result of tenant negligence—such as failing to use the provided AC system adequately to control humidity, not ventilating areas like bathrooms and kitchens, or causing specific water damage—the remediation cost may fall to the tenant.

Given your description of the mold appearing in a bedroom closet after a period of high humidity, the cause is likely condensation. Dubai's climate, with its extreme humidity, causes condensation to form on cold surfaces, especially within closets on exterior walls where insulation might be a factor. Determining the root cause is critical for assigning liability. We strongly recommend a professional inspection to identify the moisture source. Our certified inspectors use tools like thermal imaging and moisture meters to distinguish between a construction defect and an environmental humidity issue.

For a definitive assessment and to protect your interests with the landlord, contact our team. We provide detailed, legally defensible inspection reports. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for a consultation.