Who pays for mold inspection in a California rental?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for maintaining the property's structure, including issues with building envelope integrity that lead to dampness and mold. The argument that AC usage caused the problem is common but often incorrect; in Marina's high humidity, the real issue is typically inadequate insulation or a leak in the building's external walls or windows, allowing condensation to form.

Your first step should be to formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best) about the suspected structural dampness and request a professional inspection. For a clear, defensible case, that inspection should include moisture mapping to identify the source and a lab analysis to identify the mold species. This provides objective evidence of whether the cause is internal humidity or an external structural defect.

If the landlord refuses, you can file a complaint with the Dubai Rental Dispute Center (RDC). They will typically require an expert report to adjudicate. Given the location and description, a building-related moisture issue is highly plausible. Until resolved, keep the area ventilated and avoid disturbing the mold to prevent spore dispersal.