Is the landlord responsible for mold inspection as a tenant?« Back to Previous Page
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Our master bedroom closet, which is on an exterior wall, has started to feel damp and I can see small black spots on the back wall and some of our shoes. This has gotten noticeably worse in the last few weeks since the humidity really kicked in. We’ve been in this villa in Al Barsha for almost a year and it wasn't an issue during the winter. As a tenant, am I responsible for arranging and paying for a professional mold inspection, or is this something the landlord needs to handle?
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Based on the UAE Civil Code, specifically Federal Law No. 5 of 1985, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the property to ensure it is habitable. This includes addressing structural defects and issues that affect the tenant's health and safety, such as persistent dampness and mold growth. Since the problem is on an exterior wall and has emerged due to the high humidity conditions prevalent in Dubai, particularly in areas like Al Barsha, this is likely a building envelope or insulation issue, which falls under the landlord's maintenance obligations.
The dampness you describe, exacerbated by the seasonal shift to extreme humidity and year-round AC use leading to potential condensation points, requires professional diagnosis. A certified mold inspection is crucial to determine the moisture source (e.g., capillary rise, condensation, or a leak) and the extent of colonization. As a tenant, your responsibility is to report the issue to the landlord or property management company in writing immediately. You should request that they arrange and cover the cost for a professional assessment. Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize spores and worsen contamination. For a definitive diagnosis and a report that can be presented to your landlord, I strongly recommend contacting a professional service. Saniservice provides comprehensive mold inspections using tools like thermal imaging and moisture meters to identify the source and can provide a certified report detailing the necessary remediation steps. You can reach them at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or hello@saniservice.com to schedule an assessment. |
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