Who is responsible for mold inspection in my rental villa?« Back to Previous Page
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The wall behind our sofa in the living room has these weird black spots that just appeared over the last couple of weeks. I wiped them down, but they came right back and the room has a damp, earthy smell, especially when the AC isn't running. We’re renting a villa in Jumeirah and our contract is a bit vague about maintenance. Who is legally responsible for arranging and paying for a proper mold inspection here, me or the landlord?
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Based on the UAE Civil Code, specifically Federal Law No. 5 of 1985, the responsibility for maintaining the property's structural integrity and ensuring it is habitable falls upon the landlord. This includes addressing issues like persistent dampness and mold growth, which are considered defects that impair the use of the property. The rapid reappearance of the spots and the persistent earthy odor indicate an active moisture source, likely within the wall cavity or from a leaking pipe, which is the property owner's responsibility to rectify.
Given Dubai's high humidity levels and the constant use of AC, condensation behind walls is a common, often hidden, issue. A proper inspection is critical. We strongly recommend you do not attempt further cleaning, as this can agitate and spread spores. The inspection must include moisture mapping with professional tools like thermal imaging cameras and hygrometers to identify the exact moisture source, followed by air and surface sampling to determine the spore concentration and species type. This scientific report is essential for determining the remediation scope and will serve as a formal document for your landlord. We advise you to formally notify your landlord in writing of the issue, including photos, and request they arrange and cover the cost of a certified mold inspection. For a definitive assessment, you can contact our team at Saniservice. We provide Dubai-specific, DFSA-compliant inspections and can deliver a legally sound report. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a professional evaluation. |
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