Who is responsible for mold inspection in Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007) and subsequent regulations, the responsibility for maintenance and repairs of the property's core structure and fixed installations, including the central air conditioning system and its components, falls squarely on the landlord. The AC leakage you describe is a structural maintenance issue, and the resulting mold growth is a direct consequence of that failure. Your use of a dehumidifier demonstrates a proactive attempt to control ambient humidity, which is a tenant's responsibility, but it cannot mitigate an active water intrusion from a faulty fixture.

The landlord's claim regarding ventilation is a common misconception. While tenants are expected to maintain reasonable ventilation to prevent condensation-related humidity (a significant issue in Dubai's climate), this does not absolve the landlord of their duty to rectify faults in the building's infrastructure that cause water damage. The persistent leak is the primary culprit, not the ambient humidity.

For a formal resolution, you should notify your landlord in writing (email is best for documentation), reiterating the issue and requesting immediate repair of the AC unit and a professional mold inspection. The inspection is crucial to determine the full extent of the mold contamination, as it may have spread within the wall cavity behind the wardrobe. This legally required inspection and subsequent remediation are the landlord's financial responsibility.

For a definitive assessment, I recommend a certified mold inspection from a company like Saniservice. Their experts can conduct air and surface sampling to identify the mold species and provide a detailed report that can be used to formally obligate the landlord to act. You can contact them for a professional evaluation at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or hello@saniservice.com.