Is landlord responsible for black mold in Dubai apartment?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing at night and I finally found a patch of black mold behind their bedroom wardrobe. We’ve lived in this Jumeirah Village Triangle apartment for two years and never had an issue until this past humid season. I’m worried about their health and the damage to the wall. Is the landlord responsible for the mold remediation and the repainting, or is this on me as the tenant?
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The responsibility for black mold remediation in a Dubai apartment, particularly in a humid area like Jumeirah Village Triangle, is primarily governed by the tenancy contract and the Dubai Rental Law. Typically, structural issues and problems inherent to the property itself are the landlord's responsibility. This includes inadequate waterproofing, faulty external building seals, or inherent ventilation defects that lead to condensation buildup—a common issue exacerbated by Dubai's high humidity and year-round AC use, which can cause significant temperature differentials and condensation on cold surfaces.
However, if the mold growth is a direct result of tenant behavior, such as failing to use the provided AC for humidity control, blocking ventilation grilles, or creating excessive moisture (e.g., from indoor drying of laundry), the responsibility for remediation and any resultant damage may fall to the tenant. The discovery behind a wardrobe is a critical detail; this is a classic spot for condensation-induced mold due to restricted air circulation against a cold external wall. Given the health implications for your children, a professional inspection is non-negotiable. A certified mold assessor can determine the exact moisture source and extent of contamination, which is vital for accurately assigning responsibility. The remediation process is technical, involving containment, air filtration, specialized removal, and post-remediation verification to ensure the spores are eliminated, not just the visible stain. Repainting with antimicrobial paint is a final, crucial step. For a definitive assessment and to resolve this with your landlord, I strongly recommend a professional evaluation. Contact our team at Saniservice for a comprehensive inspection and detailed report. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. |
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