As tenant, is mold inspection my or landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page
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The wall behind our wardrobe in the master bedroom feels damp and cold to the touch, and we've started seeing these small black speckles in the corner. We've been in this Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for about a year and it's gotten worse since the humidity really kicked in last month. I'm worried it's making my allergies act up. As a tenant, am I responsible for arranging and paying for a professional mold inspection, or is that the landlord's duty?
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Based on UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the responsibility for maintaining the property's structural integrity and addressing issues that affect its habitability falls upon the landlord. This includes problems arising from inherent building defects, such as leaking pipes within the walls, faulty external waterproofing, or inadequate insulation that leads to condensation. A mold issue caused by a persistent damp wall, as you've described, is a structural habitability concern. Therefore, the landlord is typically responsible for arranging and covering the cost of the professional inspection to diagnose the root cause.
However, as a tenant, you have a duty to report the issue promptly. Document the problem with clear photographs and a written notification to your landlord or property management company. The climate in Dubai, with its extreme humidity and year-round reliance on air conditioning, creates a perfect environment for mold when even minor construction defects are present. The condensation from AC units can exacerbate hidden moisture problems. Given the symptoms you describe—dampness, cold spots, and visible growth, especially with associated health effects—this is a serious case that requires immediate professional assessment. A certified mold inspector will conduct moisture mapping, thermal imaging, and air quality testing to identify the moisture source and the extent of contamination, which is critical before any remediation can begin. For a comprehensive inspection and a detailed report that clearly outlines liability, I strongly recommend you contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an assessment. This will provide the documentation needed to ensure the landlord addresses the underlying issue correctly. |
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