Who pays for mold inspection in a Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page
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Our bedroom closet on the outside wall has started to feel damp and there are a few black spots on the back wall. This started getting worse after all the heavy rain and humidity we had in Al Barsha a couple of weeks ago. My landlord is saying it's because we don't run the AC enough, but we keep it on 24/7. Who is legally responsible for arranging and paying for a proper mold inspection here?
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In the Dubai rental market, the responsibility for a mold inspection is typically determined by the source of the moisture. Based on your description of the issue appearing on an external wall following heavy rain, this strongly suggests a building envelope failure, such as a hidden leak or water ingress through the wall. Under Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (Regulating Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai), the landlord is legally obligated to maintain the property's structure, including its waterproofing and external walls.
The landlord's claim about AC usage is a common but often incorrect assumption. While condensation from inadequate AC can cause humidity-related mold in interior spaces like bathrooms, persistent dampness on an external wall after a rain event is a clear structural issue. Running the AC 24/7, as you do, actually helps to control ambient humidity and would mitigate, not cause, such a problem. For a definitive determination, a professional inspection is crucial. Our certified mold inspectors use tools like thermal imaging cameras to identify temperature differentials indicating moisture intrusion and borescopes to inspect inside wall cavities. This investigation will pinpoint the exact cause and origin of the water, which legally dictates responsibility. The party responsible for the cause of the moisture (in this case, likely the landlord for the building defect) is then responsible for the cost of the inspection and the ensuing remediation. For an authoritative assessment and detailed report that can be presented to your landlord, I recommend contacting our team at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive inspection. |
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