Who should address the mold behind the shower curtain?« Back to Previous Page

In the UAE, particularly in Dubai, the responsibility for addressing mold issues can be somewhat nuanced. In your situation where you've noticed a small patch of greenish mold behind the shower curtain in your bathroom, it's essential to consider both tenant and landlord responsibilities under local laws.

The UAE doesn't have specific comprehensive building codes mandating regular mold inspections or immediate remediation actions. However, the Civil Transactions Law (Federal Law No. 16 of 2004) does stipulate that a landlord must ensure the premises are in a habitable condition. If the mold issue is due to structural damage or water leakage from pipes and these were present during your lease agreement, it would be the landlord's responsibility.

On the other hand, if the mold growth is minor and seems to have developed after you moved in, given there was no mention of previous issues in the rental contract, addressing this may fall on your shoulders. Regular maintenance checks can help identify such issues early, preventing significant problems.

For a thorough assessment, I'd highly recommend engaging professional services like those offered by Saniservice at 800-MOLDS or 800-66537. They can provide you with detailed mold testing and remediation advice specific to the UAE market. Their expertise will help determine if the mold is an isolated incident due to recent rainfall or a more widespread issue requiring immediate attention.

Remember, persistent moisture issues can lead to severe structural damage over time, not just cosmetic problems. Ignoring minor mold signs could result in larger expenses down the road. Hence, it’s crucial to act promptly and seek professional guidance when dealing with such scenarios.

In summary, while landlords have obligations under UAE laws, your role as a tenant also includes maintaining the property's cleanliness and addressing issues that might arise during your tenancy. Always keep records of any maintenance requests you make or damage you observe – this can be helpful in case disputes arise over who should address certain issues.