Is landlord responsible for mold inspection in rented villa?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the details you've provided—the visible mold growth on personal items, the persistent damp smell, and the health symptoms in your children—this situation warrants immediate professional attention. The UAE's humid climate, especially when combined with year-round AC use that can create significant temperature differentials and condensation, is a primary catalyst for such mold proliferation in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces like storage cupboards.

Under UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is fundamentally responsible for maintaining the property to ensure it is habitable. This obligation includes addressing structural or maintenance-related issues that lead to dampness and mold, such as leaks in the building envelope, faulty waterproofing, or inadequate ventilation systems. The discovery of mold in a structural storage space strongly suggests an underlying issue that is the landlord's responsibility to investigate and rectify.

However, the initial step of determining the cause and full extent of the contamination requires a professional mold inspection. A certified inspector will conduct a comprehensive assessment, including moisture mapping and air quality testing, to identify the moisture source and the spore concentration levels. This objective data is crucial as it definitively establishes liability. While you could request your landlord to arrange this, you are also within your rights to commission the inspection yourself to protect your family's health promptly.

Given the health symptoms present, I strongly recommend against attempting to handle this yourself. Disturbing the mold during a DIY investigation can aerosolize spores, significantly worsening the indoor air quality and potential health effects.

For a definitive diagnosis and a clear path to resolution, contact our specialists at Saniservice. We can provide the certified inspection report needed to formally engage your landlord and ensure the problem is remediated correctly. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an assessment.