Is landlord or tenant responsible for mold removal?« Back to Previous Page
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Our master bedroom closet on the outside wall has been smelling really damp for a while, and I finally pulled all our clothes out to find a huge patch of black mold covering the back wall. It’s been getting worse since the humidity spiked a couple of months ago, and I’m worried about our health. As a tenant in Jumeirah Village Circle, am I responsible for hiring and paying for the mold removal, or is this something the landlord has to fix?
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In the UAE, specifically Dubai, the responsibility for mold remediation largely depends on the source of the moisture. According to standard tenancy contract interpretations under Dubai's Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. This includes fixing issues like leaking pipes, faulty waterproofing, or cracks in the external wall that allow moisture ingress—which is a common cause of mold in Jumeirah Village Circle due to the high humidity and building envelope challenges.
However, if the mold growth is determined to be a direct result of tenant negligence, such as a failure to use the air conditioning system properly to control humidity, inadequate ventilation, or damage caused by the tenant, the financial responsibility may shift. Given your description of the mold being on an outside wall and worsening with seasonal humidity spikes, this strongly suggests an underlying structural or condensation issue. We strongly advise against attempting removal yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize toxic spores and exacerbate health risks. The first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photographic evidence, and request a professional mold inspection. A certified inspector can identify the precise moisture source and determine liability. For a definitive assessment and safe, guaranteed remediation, we recommend contacting our specialists at Saniservice. We utilize thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the root cause and provide a detailed report for landlords. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection. |
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