Is landlord responsible for Dubai rental mold inspection?« Back to Previous Page
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We've lived in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for two years and just noticed what looks like black mold along the edges of the bedroom carpet, right where the wall meets the floor. It's been getting worse since the humidity spiked a couple of months ago. I'm concerned for my toddler's health and don't know if this is something I should handle myself or if it's my landlord's responsibility to fix. Who is legally responsible for arranging and paying for a proper mold inspection in a rental here?
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In the UAE, the responsibility for mold issues in a rental property is typically addressed under Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai, commonly known as the 'Dubai Rental Law'. The law generally places the obligation for major maintenance and structural repairs on the landlord. This includes issues arising from the building's structure, such as leaks in central AC systems, plumbing faults within the walls, or inherent design flaws that lead to persistent dampness and subsequent mold growth.
However, the responsibility can shift to the tenant if the mold is a direct result of their negligence or specific lifestyle habits, such as failing to use the provided air conditioning system adequately, which is crucial in our high-humidity climate, or causing excessive internal moisture without proper ventilation. Given your description—mold at the wall-floor junction that has worsened with seasonal humidity—this strongly suggests an underlying issue. The location indicates potential condensation from thermal bridging (where the building envelope is weakest) or a hidden leak. For a toddler's health and to accurately determine the cause, a professional inspection is non-negotiable. DIY assessments are insufficient as they fail to identify the moisture source or the mold species. You should formally notify your landlord in writing of the issue and request a professional mold inspection. We recommend the services of Saniservice, who are experts in Dubai's unique climate challenges. Their certified inspectors use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact source and provide a detailed remediation protocol. For immediate assistance, you can call them at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. This documented professional assessment will be key in resolving any dispute over who is financially responsible for the remediation. |
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