Who is responsible for mold inspection in Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC in our bedroom in Jumeirah Village Circle has been making us sick, and I finally pulled the vent cover to find black dust and what looks like mold all over the inside. Our landlord is saying it’s our fault for not changing the filters often enough, but we just renewed the lease two months ago. Who is legally responsible for arranging and paying for a proper mold inspection here in Dubai?
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Under the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007 and its amendments), the responsibility for maintaining the property's main structural components and essential services, including the central air conditioning system, falls squarely on the landlord. The AC system is considered a fundamental provision for habitable living in Dubai's climate. The black dust and substance you describe inside the ductwork is a clear indication of microbial contamination within the system itself, which is a maintenance issue beyond the simple replacement of disposable filters.
While tenants are typically responsible for minor maintenance and changing consumable AC filters, the growth of mold inside the coils, ducts, and drip pans is caused by factors like poor drainage, inadequate insulation, or internal leaks. These are inherent to the installation and integrity of the system, making it the landlord's legal obligation to rectify. Since you just renewed the lease two months ago, the landlord had a duty to ensure the property and its systems were in good condition at the time of renewal. Given the visible contamination and associated health symptoms, a professional inspection is critical. DIY assessments are insufficient. A certified mold inspector will conduct air and surface sampling to identify the species and concentration of mold spores, which is necessary evidence to formally present to your landlord. The humid Dubai environment, combined with constant AC use that creates condensation, is a perfect breeding ground for such issues. For a definitive report that complies with Dubai Municipality standards, I recommend contacting Saniservice. Their certified experts can perform a comprehensive inspection and provide the documentation needed to resolve the liability issue with your landlord. You can reach them at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or via email at hello@saniservice.com. |
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