Is landlord responsible for hidden black mold cleanup?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing at night and I finally checked behind their bedroom wardrobe in our JVC apartment. I found a huge patch of black mold spreading up the wall, probably from a hidden leak. We've been in this rental for about a year and it definitely wasn't there during the last inspection. Is the landlord responsible for the cleanup and repairs, or is this on me to fix?
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In Dubai, the landlord is generally responsible for repairing structural issues and hidden defects that cause mold, especially if it stems from a hidden leak in the plumbing or building envelope. As this mold was not present during your last inspection and is likely due to a concealed leak, the remediation and repair of the wall are typically the landlord's obligation under standard tenancy contracts.
You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately, including clear photographs of the mold and its location. They are responsible for addressing the source of the moisture, which is the critical first step. Simply cleaning the visible mold is ineffective if the leak isn't fixed. Given the climate in JVC, with high humidity and constant AC use, mold can regrow quickly without proper source control and remediation. For a case this significant, a professional inspection is crucial to assess the full extent behind the walls and confirm the moisture source. The remediation process itself should be handled by specialists to prevent cross-contamination and ensure it's done to a standard that protects your family's health. You can request that the landlord hires a certified company to provide documentation verifying the mold has been properly removed and the underlying cause resolved. |
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