Mold in villa: landlord or tenant responsible for inspection?« Back to Previous Page

Based on UAE rental law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. This includes addressing issues arising from inherent building defects, such as leaks in external walls or faulty AC drainage systems that lead to dampness and mold growth. The persistent high humidity in Dubai, especially during summer months, combined with potential condensation from year-round AC use, can exacerbate these structural issues, creating the perfect environment for mold, as you've discovered in your Al Barsha villa.

However, the tenant is responsible for damages caused by their own negligence, such as failing to ventilate the property adequately or causing internal water damage. Given that the mold is spreading from a corner and the villa has been notably humid, this strongly suggests an underlying moisture issue likely stemming from a structural cause.

Your immediate action should be to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photographic evidence of the mold and its location. Do not attempt to remove it yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize spores and exacerbate health issues like the coughing your children are experiencing.

For a definitive determination of the cause and the associated responsibility for remediation, a professional mold inspection is critical. A certified inspector will conduct air and surface sampling to identify the spore types and concentration levels, perform a comprehensive moisture mapping exercise to locate the source of water intrusion, and provide a detailed report. This report is essential evidence for establishing liability and outlining the necessary scope of remediation work.

For a professional and legally defensible inspection, I recommend contacting Saniservice. Their certified experts use the latest diagnostic technology and can provide the documentation needed to resolve the issue with your landlord. You can reach them at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or hello@saniservice.com.