Who pays for black mold removal in a Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing and I suspect it might be from the black mold that’s spreading along the ceiling in our master bedroom closet. We’ve lived here for 2 years and just noticed it when we were putting away winter clothes; it seems worse since the humidity spiked a couple of months ago. I’ve reported it to the landlord, but he says it’s our fault for not ventilating properly.
Who is legally responsible for the inspection and removal costs for something like this in a Dubai rental, the tenant or the landlord?
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Based on Dubai's rental law and the standard tenancy contract (Ejari), the responsibility for maintenance of the main structure of the property, including issues arising from inherent building defects or faulty installations like AC systems, falls upon the landlord. Black mold resulting from poor ventilation design, leaking central AC condensation lines, or water seepage through the building envelope is typically the landlord's financial responsibility to rectify.
However, if the mold growth is conclusively proven to be a direct result of tenant negligence—such as a failure to use the provided ventilation fans, intentionally blocking AC vents, or causing specific water damage—the cost could be attributed to the tenant. The landlord's claim that inadequate ventilation is your fault is difficult to enforce without a professional inspection report as evidence. The high humidity in Dubai, especially during summer months, often causes condensation that leads to mold in poorly insulated spaces like closets, which is a structural issue. Given that your children are exhibiting health symptoms, this is a serious matter that requires immediate professional assessment. I strongly recommend you engage a certified mold inspection company like Saniservice to conduct a comprehensive assessment. Our report will definitively identify the moisture source and cause of the mold, which serves as the crucial evidence needed to determine liability with your landlord under Dubai law. For a definitive resolution and to ensure your family's health, call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection. |
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