Who pays for mold removal, tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in our Discovery Gardens apartment for 2 years and just noticed a patch of black mold spreading from the corner of our bedroom closet. It seems to have gotten worse since the humidity really kicked in last month, and I’m worried it’s making my allergies act up. Who is responsible for dealing with this and the cost—is it me as the tenant or is the landlord supposed to handle mold remediation?
Posted by Juergen Flores
Asked on April 4, 2026 10:05 pm
In Dubai and the wider UAE, the responsibility and cost allocation for mold remediation are primarily dictated by the tenancy contract and Law No. 26 of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai, commonly known as the 'RERA Law'.

The fundamental principle is that the landlord is obligated to provide and maintain the property in a habitable condition. This includes the structural integrity of the building and the proper functioning of all installed systems, most critically the air conditioning. Mold resulting from inherent building issues—such as water seepage from external walls, leaking AC drain lines within the ductwork, or faulty plumbing concealed within the walls—is unequivocally the landlord's financial and remedial responsibility.

Conversely, if the mold growth is a direct result of tenant negligence, such as chronic failure to use the AC for humidity control, blocking ventilation grilles, or causing water damage through spills that were not promptly and properly dried, the cost would fall to the tenant. Discovery Gardens is particularly prone to high humidity levels and condensation issues due to its construction and the local climate. The persistent year-round operation of AC is not just for comfort but is a critical mechanical means of dehumidification to prevent mold.

Given your situation—mold spreading from a structural corner, exacerbated by seasonal humidity—this strongly suggests an underlying issue like a thermal bridge causing condensation or a leak. We highly recommend a professional inspection to determine the exact moisture source. Our certified inspectors use thermal imaging and moisture meters to diagnose the root cause, which is essential for assigning liability and ensuring the remediation is permanent, not just a superficial cleaning.

For a definitive assessment and to resolve this issue correctly, please contact our team for a comprehensive inspection. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 6, 2026 4:18 pm