Is my landlord responsible for mold in my wardrobe?« Back to Previous Page
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We've been in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for about a year, and I just pulled out a bag of winter clothes from the back of the built-in wardrobe and found everything covered in black, fuzzy mold. The room doesn't have a window and the AC vent is on the opposite wall. Is this something I need to handle myself, or is my landlord responsible for fixing the cause and replacing our ruined belongings?
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Based on the conditions you've described in your Jumeirah Village Circle apartment, this is a significant mold issue indicative of a chronic humidity problem. The absence of a window and the distant AC vent create a dead air zone within the wardrobe, allowing moisture from Dubai's humid climate to condense on surfaces, especially on stored textiles like winter clothing. This is a common issue here due to our high ambient humidity and constant AC use, which can create drastic temperature differentials and condensation points.
Under UAE tenancy law, specifically Article 15 of Law No. 26 of 2007, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity and ensuring it is habitable. The cause of this mold—likely inadequate ventilation leading to excessive, trapped humidity—falls under their obligation to provide a property free from inherent defects that cause damage to your belongings. They are typically responsible for remediating the cause of the mold (e.g., investigating ventilation, insulation, or potential hidden leaks). However, you must formally notify them in writing immediately. Document everything with photographs and a detailed list of damaged items. For an official determination of the cause and scope, a professional indoor environmental inspection is crucial. Our certified technicians can conduct a comprehensive assessment, including moisture mapping and air quality testing, to produce a legally defensible report that identifies the source and assigns liability. Do not attempt to handle significant mold growth yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize spores and contaminate the entire apartment. For a professional inspection and remediation quote to present to your landlord, call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. |
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