Is my landlord responsible for mold removal in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's from the black mold that's been spreading along the grout in our master bathroom. We've been in this apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle for about a year, and the problem seems to have gotten way worse since the humidity kicked in a couple of months ago. I'm not sure if this is something I should fix myself or if my landlord is legally responsible for handling it.
Who is responsible for removing mold in a rental here, the tenant or the landlord?
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In Dubai's rental sector, the responsibility for mold removal is typically defined by the cause of the issue, as outlined in Law No. 26 of 2007, known as the Dubai Rental Law. The landlord is legally obligated to maintain the property's structural integrity and ensure it is habitable. This includes addressing underlying defects that cause persistent dampness, such as faulty waterproofing in the bathroom, leaking pipes within the walls, or inadequate external sealing that allows water ingress. These are considered maintenance issues, and the landlord is responsible for the remediation.
However, tenant responsibility comes into play if the mold growth is a direct result of occupant behavior. In Dubai's extreme humidity, which is exacerbated year-round by AC operation leading to condensation, proper ventilation is critical. If the mold is due to a failure to use the bathroom's exhaust fan during and after showers, drying wet surfaces, or adequately ventilating the space to manage moisture, the cost of cleaning may fall to the tenant. Given your description of black mold spreading along grout and the associated health symptoms in your children, this indicates a persistent moisture issue. The timing coinciding with high humidity suggests the apartment's ventilation may be insufficient to handle the climate, which could point to a structural or systemic flaw. I strongly recommend a professional inspection to determine the exact moisture source. Our certified inspectors use thermal imaging and moisture meters to identify hidden leaks and condensation points, providing a definitive report on liability. For your family's health and to resolve this correctly, please contact us for a comprehensive assessment. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. |
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