Who pays for mold testing in a Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the tenancy laws here in Dubai and common practice, the responsibility for mold testing generally falls on the landlord or property owner, especially if the issue is related to the building's structure or inherent problems like persistent water leakage, faulty AC systems, or poor ventilation that are beyond the tenant's control.

Your situation in Silicon Oasis is a classic example. The spike in humidity you mentioned is a key factor. If the apartment's AC system is not properly maintaining humidity levels or if there's a hidden leak in the wall from a central pipe, those are structural/maintenance issues. The landlord is obligated under Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai to provide a property that is habitable and to maintain the structural integrity of the unit.

However, as the tenant, you are responsible for reporting the issue promptly and for any damage caused by your own negligence, like failing to use the AC to control humidity or not reporting a spill that led to moisture buildup. Since you've just discovered it and the humidity seems to be the primary culprit, you should formally notify your building management and the landlord/property owner in writing about the suspected mold, detailing the location (behind the wardrobe) and the health symptoms. Request that they arrange and pay for a professional indoor air quality (IAQ) test.

For a case like this with health symptoms involved, a DIY test kit is insufficient. You need a certified inspector to conduct air and surface sampling to identify the spore types and concentration levels, which is critical for determining the remediation plan. This is a serious case that warrants professional intervention.

If the landlord refuses to act, you may need to escalate with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) or the Rental Dispute Center. For immediate, certified testing and a detailed report you can present to your landlord, our team can help. Call 800-MOLDS or 800-66537 or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.