Who's responsible for pest control in a Dubai rental — landlord or tenant?
If my Dubai rental apartment has a pest problem, is it the landlord's responsibility to pay for treatment, or mine?
1 Answer
11 Jul 2026
For Pre-Existing or Structural Pest Issues, It's Usually the Landlord's Responsibility
Most standard Dubai tenancy contracts place responsibility on the landlord for pest infestations that existed before move-in or stem from building-wide issues. This falls under the landlord's general obligation to deliver a property fit for habitation.
When It Becomes the Tenant's Responsibility
If the infestation is linked to how the property is being used — food left out, poor waste disposal, or a tenant's pet — landlords can reasonably argue this falls on the tenant.
What to Do if Your Landlord Refuses to Act
Put the request in writing and keep a record of dates and any photos. If the landlord still refuses to address a pre-existing issue, Dubai's Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC) can be approached.
Finding a Reliable Pest Control Professional in Dubai
Whoever ends up covering the cost, getting a proper treatment plan matters more than the cheapest quote. You can post your pest control job free on BidMyJob.ae and compare quotes from multiple professionals across Dubai.
— BidMyJob Advice Team | support@bidmyjob.ae
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Dubai landlord refuse to pay for pest control?+
If the infestation pre-dates the tenancy or is a building-wide structural issue, most standard tenancy contracts place responsibility on the landlord to address it.
What should I do if my Dubai landlord ignores my pest control request?+
Submit the request in writing with dates and photos. If it's ignored, Dubai's Rental Dispute Settlement Centre can be approached.
Is cockroach infestation the landlord's or tenant's responsibility in Dubai?+
It depends on the cause — infestations linked to food storage or cleanliness are usually the tenant's responsibility, while building-wide or pre-existing issues fall on the landlord.