Who is responsible for black mold removal in Dubai rentals?« Back to Previous Page
|
My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's because of the black mold that's been spreading along the bedroom ceiling near the AC vent. We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed it getting really bad this past month. My landlord says it's from our AC usage and we should clean it, but I think it's a maintenance issue with the building's insulation.
Who is legally responsible for the inspection and removal of black mold in a rental apartment here in Dubai, the tenant or the landlord?
|
|
Black mold in a rental is typically the landlord's responsibility to remediate, as it's considered a structural maintenance issue. The Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007) generally obligates the landlord to maintain the property and ensure it is habitable, which includes addressing issues like water leaks and poor insulation that lead to mold.
Your situation is common here. The condensation from year-round AC use interacts with any building envelope flaw—like a poorly insulated AC duct chase or a leak—creating the persistent dampness mold needs. While tenants are responsible for general cleaning, a spreading infestation on the ceiling near a vent strongly indicates an underlying issue with the property itself, not your AC usage. Document the mold with time-stamped photos and formally notify your landlord in writing, citing the visible growth and your children's health symptoms. Request a professional inspection to identify the moisture source, as simply wiping the mold away is ineffective if the root cause isn't fixed. For a case involving health symptoms, a professional assessment is critical. An inspection will differentiate the mold type and pinpoint the exact moisture source, which is essential evidence. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai, providing your documentation. |
Please log in to post questions/answers: