Is landlord responsible for mold in Dubai apartment?« Back to Previous Page
|
We've been in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for about a year, and I just pulled out my winter clothes from the back of the wardrobe to find a bunch of them covered in fuzzy black mold. The wall behind it feels slightly damp and the room has always felt a bit humid. Are landlords in Dubai responsible for fixing the cause of this, or is treating my belongings and cleaning it up on me?
|
|
Based on Dubai's rental law, specifically Law No. 26 of 2007, the responsibility for mold remediation hinges on the source of the moisture. The landlord is legally obligated to maintain the structural integrity of the property. Therefore, if the mold is a result of a structural defect, such as a leaking pipe within the walls, a faulty AC drainage system, or water seepage from the building envelope, the landlord is unequivocally responsible for repairing the defect and the subsequent remediation of the mold it caused.
However, your description of a consistently humid room and dampness on an exterior wall is a significant red flag. This is a common issue in Jumeirah Village Circle and across Dubai, often stemming from the high ambient humidity interacting with cold surfaces from year-round air conditioning, a phenomenon known as condensation. In such cases, the cause can be complex. It could be inadequate insulation within the wall (a structural landlord responsibility) or it could be exacerbated by tenant habits like insufficient ventilation. Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue. They must engage a professional to conduct a proper inspection to determine the root cause. Do not attempt to clean significant mold growth yourself, as disturbing it can aerosolize harmful spores. For an accurate assessment and to definitively establish liability, I strongly recommend a professional mold inspection. Our certified experts at Saniservice can identify the precise moisture source, provide a detailed report for your landlord, and offer a compliant remediation plan. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for a consultation. |
Please log in to post questions/answers: