Is landlord responsible for mold inspection in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page
|
My kids have been coughing for the past few weeks and I’ve just discovered what looks like black mold behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom in Jumeirah. The dehumidifier runs constantly but the room still feels damp. Is the landlord responsible for arranging and paying for a professional mold inspection, or is that on me as the tenant?
|
|
Based on the UAE Civil Code, specifically Federal Law No. 5 of 1985, the landlord is fundamentally responsible for maintaining the property in a habitable condition. This includes addressing structural and maintenance issues that lead to problems like persistent dampness and mold growth. The discovery of black mold behind a fixed fitting like a wardrobe, coupled with a constant damp feeling despite a dehumidifier, strongly indicates a potential underlying issue such as a hidden pipe leak or a structural penetration allowing moisture ingress from the exterior. These are structural defects that fall squarely under the landlord's obligation to rectify.
However, the tenant also has a duty to promptly notify the landlord of any such defect and to allow reasonable access for inspection and repair. Given the health symptoms you've described and the visible presence of black mold, a professional inspection is not just recommended, it is essential. DIY assessments are insufficient as they cannot identify the root moisture source or the full extent of contamination. At Saniservice, our certified mold inspectors in Dubai utilize specialized tools like thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact cause of the moisture. We then conduct air and surface sampling to identify the mold species and spore concentration levels, which is critical for understanding the health risk and planning an effective remediation strategy. The humid Dubai climate, combined with year-round AC use that can cause condensation if systems are undersized or poorly maintained, creates a perfect environment for such issues. I strongly advise you to formally notify your landlord in writing of the issue and request a professional inspection. For immediate assistance, you can contact our experts at Saniservice on 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive assessment and provide a detailed report that can be used to facilitate discussions with your landlord. |
Please log in to post questions/answers: