Landlord responsible for mold inspection in humid apartment?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended), the landlord is responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity and ensuring it is habitable. This includes addressing the root cause of the mold, which is likely a persistent humidity or condensation issue. The dampness you describe, especially in a sealed Marina apartment with constant AC, strongly suggests an underlying maintenance problem like an AC unit not dehumidifying properly, a hidden plumbing leak, or insufficient external sealing.

You should formally notify your landlord in writing about the mold and the ongoing dampness, as this is a breach of the implied warranty of habitation. They are typically obligated to investigate and rectify the source. However, the initial inspection to diagnose the cause is often the tenant's responsibility to initiate and fund, especially if you want to move quickly. This inspection is crucial as it provides documented, scientific evidence of the problem's origin.

For a case like this, a professional inspection is recommended. They will use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the water source and can take air or surface samples for lab analysis to identify the mold type. This report becomes your evidence for the landlord, proving the issue is not due to your lifestyle but a building or system fault. In Dubai's climate, where high external humidity meets cold AC surfaces, condensation within walls or units is a common, hidden culprit that needs expert diagnosis.