Landlord or tenant responsible for mold in Dubai apartment?« Back to Previous Page
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We’ve lived in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for 2 years and just noticed a big patch of black mold spreading on the wall behind our wardrobe. It’s been really humid the last few weeks and the AC hasn't been keeping up. Are we responsible for the mold inspection and removal, or is this something the landlord needs to handle?
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In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation is typically determined by the cause, as outlined in Dubai Rental Law. The landlord is responsible for the structural integrity of the property, including issues arising from inherent building defects, such as leaking pipes within the walls, faulty external window seals, or rising damp from a compromised foundation. These are considered failures of the landlord's obligation to provide a habitable dwelling.
However, tenant liability comes into play if the mold growth is a direct result of occupant behavior. In Dubai's climate, with its extreme humidity and reliance on year-round AC, this is a critical distinction. If the mold is caused by a failure to use the AC properly to control humidity, excessive moisture generation without adequate ventilation (e.g., drying clothes indoors, not using bathroom extractor fans), or damage caused by the tenant that allowed moisture ingress, the financial responsibility for inspection and remediation would fall on you. The patch behind the wardrobe is a common issue often linked to poor air circulation and condensation buildup against an external wall. Given the visible spread, a professional inspection is absolutely essential to determine the root cause. Our certified inspectors use thermal imaging and moisture meters to identify the source of the moisture, whether it's a hidden leak or condensation. This objective report is crucial for determining liability with the landlord. For a definitive diagnosis and a remediation plan, I strongly recommend you contact our team at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive assessment. We will provide the expert documentation needed to resolve the situation correctly. |
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