Who pays for mold inspection: landlord or tenant?« Back to Previous Page
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We've lived in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for 2 years and just noticed a patch of black mold growing behind our wardrobe, which is on an exterior wall. The smell is musty and my youngest has started sneezing a lot more. With the recent humidity, it seems to have gotten worse quickly. Is getting a professional mold inspection the landlord's responsibility to pay for, or is that on me as the tenant?
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In the UAE, the responsibility for a mold inspection is typically determined by the tenancy contract and the underlying cause of the mold growth. According to standard rental regulations, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. This includes issues arising from inherent building defects, such as faulty waterproofing, leaking central AC systems, or cracks in the exterior wall that allow moisture ingress—which is a common problem in Jumeirah Village Circle due to the high humidity and temperature fluctuations that cause condensation.
As a tenant, you are responsible for maintaining the property in a clean and habitable condition. If the mold is a direct result of tenant negligence, such as failing to use the AC adequately to control humidity, not ventilating bathrooms, or placing furniture directly against walls without an air gap, you may be liable for the inspection and remediation costs. Given your description—the mold is on an exterior wall, has a musty odor, and has escalated with the recent humidity—this strongly suggests an environmental or structural moisture source. The health symptom (increased sneezing) further underscores the need for immediate professional assessment. A certified mold inspection by a company like Saniservice is crucial. We use thermal imaging to identify hidden moisture, measure humidity levels, and conduct air and surface sampling to speciate the mold and determine its concentration. This technical report is essential evidence to formally establish liability with your landlord. For a definitive resolution and to protect your family's health, we recommend you contact the landlord with your concerns and engage a professional. Saniservice can provide a comprehensive inspection and detailed report to determine the cause. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an assessment. |
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