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

Under Dubai rental law, the responsibility for mold removal depends on the root cause. Landlords are legally obligated to maintain the structural integrity of the property. If the mold is due to a structural issue like a leaking pipe, a faulty AC condensation drain, or water seepage from outside—which is common after heavy dew—then the remediation cost falls on the landlord.

However, if the cause is tenant-related, such as inadequate ventilation, blocking AC vents with furniture, or failing to run the AC regularly in our high humidity, the tenant would typically be responsible. The persistent humidity and dust in Dubai create ideal conditions for mold, especially in enclosed spaces like closets on exterior walls.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photos, and request an inspection to determine the cause. Do not attempt to remove it yourself, as improper cleaning can aerosolize spores and worsen the problem. For health and verification purposes, a professional inspection is advised to identify the moisture source and mold type. A lab analysis can confirm if it's a common allergenic species or something more concerning. This documented evidence is crucial for resolving responsibility disputes. If the landlord refuses to address a structural cause, you can escalate the matter to the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center.