Is landlord or tenant responsible for black mold cost?« Back to Previous Page
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We've lived in our Jumeirah apartment for 2 years and just noticed a patch of black mold spreading on the wall behind our wardrobe. It’s been incredibly humid lately and the musty smell in the bedroom is getting stronger. Who is responsible for dealing with this and the cost, me as the tenant or my landlord?
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In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation is typically determined by the cause of the moisture. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, including addressing issues like leaking pipes, faulty external waterproofing, or defective AC systems that lead to condensation and mold growth. The persistent high humidity and constant AC operation common in Dubai can exacerbate these underlying issues.
However, as a tenant, you are responsible for maintaining adequate ventilation to prevent condensation, such as regularly running exhaust fans and ensuring AC units are set to a reasonable temperature to manage humidity. If the mold is determined to be a result of tenant negligence, such as failing to report a leak promptly or severe lack of ventilation leading to moisture accumulation, the cost of remediation may fall to you. Given that the mold is behind a wardrobe—a common spot for restricted airflow and condensation—the cause must be professionally diagnosed. I strongly recommend you immediately request a professional mold inspection. Our certified technicians at Saniservice can conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify the moisture source, perform air and surface sampling to determine the spore count and species, and provide a definitive report on the cause. This report is often essential for determining liability between tenant and landlord. Do not attempt to clean significant mold growth yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize toxins and spread contamination. For a proper assessment and remediation quote, please call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. |
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