Who is responsible for mold removal in a Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page
|
The ceiling in our master bedroom closet in Jumeirah has these black splotches that seem to be spreading. We’ve lived here for over a year and it’s been worse since the humidity spiked a couple of weeks ago. Our landlord is saying it’s our fault for not ventilating properly, but the closet doesn’t even have a window. Who is legally responsible for arranging and paying for the mold removal in a rental here?
|
|
In Dubai's rental properties, the responsibility for mold removal is primarily governed by the rental contract and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, as amended (the 'Dubai Rental Law'). The core legal principle is that the landlord is obligated to provide a habitable property that is fit for its intended purpose. This includes maintaining the structural integrity of the building, such as the roof, walls, and external windows, which are common sources of water intrusion leading to mold.
Your situation in Jumeirah is a classic example. The absence of a window in the closet is a design/structural issue, not a tenant ventilation fault. Since the mold growth on the ceiling is likely due to a pre-existing condition—such as a hidden leak from an upstairs unit, AC condensation drain issues, or inadequate insulation causing interstitial condensation—the remediation responsibility falls on the landlord. The recent spike in humidity, a perennial challenge in Dubai's climate that forces year-round AC use, has simply exacerbated the underlying moisture problem. For a definitive determination, a professional mold inspection is critical. A certified inspector will identify the moisture source and the mold species. This report is your key evidence to formally request remediation from your landlord. If they refuse, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. For a thorough assessment and certified remediation that addresses the root cause, I recommend contacting our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection. We provide detailed reports that are recognized by the RDC, ensuring the issue is resolved correctly and legally. |
Please log in to post questions/answers: