Who pays for mold inspection in Jumeirah Village Circle?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing for a couple of weeks now, and I just found a patch of black mold behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom in Jumeirah Village Circle. The wall feels damp to the touch, and I'm worried it's been there a while. Who is responsible for arranging and paying for a proper mold inspection here, me as the tenant or the building management/landlord?
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In Dubai, the responsibility for mold inspection and remediation typically falls on the property owner or landlord, especially when the issue is structural. The damp wall behind your wardrobe suggests a potential leak or water ingress, which is a building integrity issue. Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, detailing the visible mold and dampness.
Given Dubai's high humidity and year-round AC use, condensation and hidden leaks are common causes of mold. A professional inspection is crucial here to identify the moisture source—it could be a leaking pipe, AC condensation drain issue, or a breach in the building envelope. The inspection will map the extent, often finding hidden growth inside walls or under flooring. While landlords are generally responsible for the structure, check your tenancy contract for any specific clauses about maintenance and repairs. The Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007) generally obligates landlords to maintain the property in a habitable condition. For a verifiable case like this, they should arrange and pay for the diagnostic inspection to identify the root cause. Do not attempt to clean the patch yourself, as disturbing it can release spores. Keep the area ventilated and document everything with photos and dated communications. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. For your children's health, a proper inspection that includes air and surface sampling is strongly recommended to identify the mold species and guide safe remediation. |
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