Is landlord responsible for black 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 in our master bedroom closet for the past couple of months. We're in a villa in Mirdif, and I think it started after the heavy humidity we had in December. The wall feels damp and the clothes in there have a weird stale smell. Is the landlord legally required to handle the remediation for this, or is it our responsibility as tenants to clean it?
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As a certified mold remediation specialist operating in Dubai, this is a common and serious concern we address, particularly in villas in areas like Mirdif. The responsibility for mold removal hinges on the source of the moisture. Under UAE tenancy law, the landlord is legally obligated to maintain the property's structure and ensure it is habitable. Since the mold originated from a damp wall following a period of high humidity, this strongly indicates a structural or building envelope issue, such as water ingress from a leak or inadequate insulation, which falls squarely under the landlord's responsibility. You, as the tenant, are typically only responsible for mold caused by your own negligence, like failing to use the AC, which is not the case here.
The symptoms you describe—coughing in children and a stale, musty odor—are classic indicators of a significant microbial presence. Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold) can produce mycotoxins and is a serious health hazard, particularly for vulnerable individuals. Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as improper disturbance will aerosolize the spores and exacerbate the health risks and contamination. Given the climate in Dubai, with its high humidity and reliance on year-round AC, properties are prone to condensation issues if not properly maintained. This requires professional assessment and remediation. I strongly recommend you immediately contact your landlord in writing, explaining the issue and its likely structural cause, and request immediate professional inspection and remediation. For a certified assessment and to ensure the remediation is handled correctly and safely, our team at Saniservice can provide a comprehensive inspection and a report that can be used with your landlord. Please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection. Your family's health is the priority. |
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