Who pays for black mold repair in a Dubai apartment?« Back to Previous Page
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We've lived in our Jumeirah Village Triangle apartment for two years and just noticed a bunch of black mold growing behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom. It seems to be coming from the wall itself, and I'm worried it got worse after all the humidity last month. Who is responsible for fixing this and the cost – is it us as tenants or is our landlord supposed to handle it?
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Based on UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. 26 of 2007, the responsibility for structural repairs and issues related to the building's envelope falls upon the landlord. Since the black mold is growing from the wall itself, this is indicative of a pre-existing dampness or water ingress issue, such as a leaking pipe within the wall, capillary rising damp, or a flaw in the building's external waterproofing. These are structural defects, and the landlord is legally obligated to address the root cause and conduct the necessary repairs.
However, it is crucial to determine the origin. The extreme humidity in Dubai, especially during summer months, can lead to condensation, particularly on cold walls behind furniture like wardrobes where air circulation is poor. If an inspection proves the mold is solely due to tenant behavior—such as inadequate use of air conditioning to control humidity, drying clothes indoors, or blocking AC vents—the cost of remediation could potentially be argued as the tenant's responsibility. Given the description of a significant growth "coming from the wall," a professional inspection is absolutely essential. Our certified experts at Saniservice use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to accurately identify the source of the moisture without destructive investigation. This detailed report is vital evidence to determine liability between tenant and landlord. Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize toxic spores. We strongly recommend you call us immediately for a comprehensive assessment. Contact Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection. We will provide a definitive report on the cause, which you can then present to your landlord to facilitate the necessary and correct repairs. |
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