Location: Dubai Marina, UAE
Service: Independent Property Condition Inspection & Technical Reporting
A residential landlord and tenant were involved in a dispute concerning persistent mould, dampness and an unpleasant smell affecting part of the property.
The tenant had reported repeated mould growth despite cleaning, and raised concerns about the suitability of the accommodation for continued occupation. The landlord, meanwhile, questioned whether the issue was the result of a defect within the property or environmental and occupation-related factors such as ventilation, air-conditioning, humidity, and how the property was being used.
An independent technical assessment was required to establish the facts and identify the most likely cause.
The parties had differing views about both the cause and seriousness of the problem. Importantly, mould is generally a symptom rather than the underlying defect, meaning that simply cleaning or redecorating affected surfaces would not necessarily resolve the issue.
As an independent Chartered Surveyor in the UAE, Ian Davidson was asked to assess the physical condition of the property and consider the likely source, or combination of sources, contributing to the problem.
The objective was to provide factual technical evidence that could assist the landlord, tenant, property manager and, where necessary, their legal advisers.
Visible mould and dampness were affecting internal wall surfaces. A number of potential causes needed to be considered, including:
The key challenge was distinguishing between a building-related defect and environmental or occupation-related conditions. Responsibility could not properly be considered until the physical cause had first been investigated.
Our assessment followed a systematic approach:
Condition > Cause > Extent > Remedial Action > Effect on Occupation
The affected areas were inspected and the property's history, photographs, and available information were reviewed. Moisture, ventilation, and air-conditioning factors were considered alongside the possibility of plumbing or wider building defects.
This helped establish where further investigation was appropriate. Where necessary, building management, plumbers or other specialists could then be directed towards investigating the suspected source rather than simply treating the visible mould.
Once the likely cause had been established, appropriate remedial measures could be identified. These could include addressing the source of moisture, drying affected areas, treating mould correctly, repairing damaged finishes, and monitoring the property afterwards.
The independent findings provided the parties with a factual basis for discussing responsibility and reaching a practical resolution. Where agreement could not be reached, the technical report could also assist suitably qualified UAE legal advisers or the relevant dispute-resolution process.
Establish the cause first. Determine responsibility second. Agree the appropriate remedy third.
Ian Davidson MRICS provides independent property condition inspections and technical reports for landlords, tenants, property managers and legal representatives throughout the UAE.
Speak to Ian about your requirements.
