Who is responsible for black mold in a rental?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing and I suspect it’s from the black mold that’s been spreading in the corner of our master bathroom shower. It’s been getting worse over the last two months, but our landlord says it’s our fault because we don’t ventilate properly, even though we run the exhaust fan every time. Who is actually responsible for cleaning and fixing this kind of thing in a rental, the tenant or the landlord?
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In the UAE, and particularly in Dubai, the responsibility for black mold remediation in a rental property is typically determined by the cause of the moisture intrusion, as outlined in the Rental Law. Landlords are legally obligated to provide a habitable property and are responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the building. This includes fixing leaks in plumbing, roofs, and external walls, as well as ensuring that installed ventilation systems like exhaust fans are fully functional.
However, the high humidity and constant use of air conditioning in Dubai create a perfect environment for mold if daily moisture is not managed. Tenants are responsible for reasonable property upkeep, which includes ventilating the bathroom during and after showers to remove steam. If you are consistently using the exhaust fan and the mold persists, this strongly suggests an underlying issue. The fan may be undersized, blocked, or improperly vented, which is a maintenance item falling on the landlord. Given that your children are experiencing respiratory symptoms, this is a serious health and safety issue that requires immediate professional attention. We strongly recommend a certified mold inspection to identify the exact species and the root moisture source. Our technicians at Saniservice use specialized equipment like thermal imaging and moisture meters to diagnose problems invisible to the naked eye. This objective report will definitively determine liability. Do not attempt to clean significant mold growth yourself, as improper remediation can aerosolize spores and worsen the air quality. For a professional assessment and to protect your family's health, please contact us at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection. |
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