Who is responsible for black mold inspection in my apartment?« Back to Previous Page
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We've lived in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for 2 years and just noticed a patch of black mold spreading from behind the wardrobe in the master bedroom. It's been extra humid lately and the AC unit in that room has been dripping more than usual. Who is responsible for arranging and paying for a proper mold inspection here, me as the tenant or my landlord?
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Under Dubai's rental law, the landlord is typically responsible for maintaining the structural integrity and habitability of the property, which includes addressing issues like mold that result from building defects or faulty fixtures. The key is determining the cause. Since you've noted the AC unit has been dripping more than usual, this points to a potential maintenance issue with the AC system or its drainage, which is the landlord's responsibility to rectify.
Your first step should be to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, detailing the mold's location and the AC drip. Include clear photos. They are obligated to address the source of the moisture. For a case like this where the mold is actively spreading and linked to a likely AC fault, a professional inspection is strongly recommended to identify the species and full extent, as hidden growth behind walls is common in Dubai's climate. While the landlord handles the source and remediation, the cost of a diagnostic inspection can sometimes be a point of negotiation. If the inspection confirms the mold is due to the landlord's failure to maintain the AC or a building envelope leak, they should cover the inspection cost. Be prepared to discuss this. For your safety while waiting, avoid disturbing the mold and improve ventilation in the room. Resolving the underlying humidity from the faulty AC is the critical first action. |
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