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

In the UAE, the responsibility and cost allocation for mold remediation are primarily dictated by the terms of your tenancy contract and the cause of the infestation. As a certified mold inspector, the key determinant is establishing liability through a professional assessment.

If the mold growth, as in your case behind the wardrobe, is a direct result of a structural or maintenance-related issue—such as a hidden water leak from plumbing, faulty AC drainage, inadequate insulation, or building envelope defects (a common issue in Mirdif's older villas)—then the financial responsibility falls upon the landlord. Dubai's high humidity and constant AC use create significant condensation risks, which are often a building integrity issue. The landlord is obligated under law to provide a habitable property.

However, if the investigation reveals the cause to be tenant-related, such as insufficient ventilation (e.g., not using the AC's dry mode, blocking vents with furniture), excessive indoor moisture from activities like drying clothes indoors, or failure to report a minor leak promptly, then the tenant would likely be liable for the remediation costs.

Given your children's health symptoms and the visible growth, this is a serious case that requires immediate professional inspection. A certified expert will conduct moisture mapping and air quality testing to definitively identify the source—whether it's a rising damp, condensation, or a leak—which is crucial evidence for determining financial responsibility. Do not attempt to remove it yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize toxic spores and exacerbate health issues.

For a definitive diagnosis and to protect your family's health, I strongly recommend you contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive inspection. We will provide a detailed report that can be used to discuss remediation responsibilities with your landlord or property management.