Who is responsible for mold remediation, tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page
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We've lived in our Jumeirah apartment for 2 years and just noticed a patch of black mold in the corner behind the bedroom wardrobe. It must have been growing for a while as there's a constant damp feeling on that wall. Our contract is up for renewal soon, so who is responsible for the mold inspection and remediation—us as tenants or the landlord?
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In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation is typically defined by the rental contract and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, as amended (the 'Dubai Rental Law'). As a tenant, you are generally responsible for minor maintenance and upkeep of the property's interior. However, the landlord is legally obligated to provide a habitable dwelling free from structural defects and issues that affect health and safety.
Mold resulting from a pre-existing structural issue, such as a leaking pipe within the walls, a faulty external sealant leading to water ingress from the building envelope, or a defective AC system causing condensation, is the landlord's responsibility to rectify. Your description of a "constant damp feeling on the wall" strongly suggests a persistent moisture source of this nature, which is not due to your daily activities. Conversely, if the mold were caused by tenant negligence—for instance, a failure to use the AC to control the extreme Dubai humidity, blocking ventilation grilles, or creating excessive indoor moisture—the remediation cost would fall to you. Given the hidden nature of the moisture source behind the wardrobe, a professional inspection is critical. Our certified inspectors use tools like thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact cause, whether it's internal condensation or external water intrusion. This evidence-based report is essential for determining liability with the landlord. For a definitive assessment and to protect your health and tenancy rights, I strongly recommend a professional evaluation. Contact Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive mold inspection and moisture survey. This will provide the documentation needed to address the issue correctly with your landlord before your lease renewal. |
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