Is my landlord responsible for Dubai mold removal?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing for a couple of weeks and I finally found patches of black mold behind our bedroom wardrobe in Jumeirah Village Circle. It's been so humid lately that the walls never feel completely dry. Is this something I need to handle myself with bleach, or is my landlord legally responsible for fixing the cause and cleaning it up?
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Based on the UAE Civil Code, specifically Federal Law No. 5 of 1985, your landlord is legally obligated to maintain the property in a habitable condition. This includes addressing structural and maintenance issues that lead to dampness and mold growth, such as leaking pipes, faulty waterproofing, or inadequate external sealing. The presence of mold behind a fixed wardrobe strongly suggests an underlying moisture issue, which falls under their responsibility.
However, the situation in Jumeirah Village Circle is complicated by Dubai's high ambient humidity and the constant use of air conditioning, which can lead to condensation if the AC system is not properly balanced or if ventilation is insufficient. While surface cleaning with bleach is a temporary measure, it is highly inadvisable. Bleach does not address the root moisture problem, is ineffective on porous surfaces like drywall, and can pose serious health risks due to fumes, especially for children with respiratory symptoms like coughing. The black coloration indicates a potentially harmful species that requires professional identification and remediation. For your family's health and to ensure the issue is resolved correctly, I strongly recommend a professional inspection. Our certified experts at Saniservice can conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine the exact cause—whether it's a building envelope issue or condensation—and provide a detailed report. This report is crucial evidence to formally request remediation from your landlord. For immediate advice and to schedule an inspection, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Do not attempt to remove significant growth yourself. |
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