Is black mold repair a landlord's responsibility in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing for a couple of weeks and I suspect it's because of this black, fuzzy stuff growing along the bottom of the wall in our master bedroom closet. We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed it, probably because it's gotten worse since the humidity spiked last month. Is getting this treated and the wall repaired the responsibility of me as the tenant or is my landlord in Dubai Hills supposed to handle it?
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Black mold remediation in Dubai typically falls under the landlord's responsibility, as they are obligated to provide a habitable property free from defects that affect health and safety. Your tenancy contract may have specific clauses, but Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended) generally holds the landlord accountable for structural and major maintenance issues, which includes dampness and mold resulting from building envelope leaks or faulty AC systems.
However, responsibility can depend on the cause. If the mold is due to a tenant's action, like blocking AC vents or failing to ventilate a humid room, the cost may shift. The black growth in your closet is a serious health concern, especially with children's persistent coughing, and is likely exacerbated by our high humidity. The first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in Dubai Hills in writing, describing the issue and requesting an immediate inspection to determine the source of the moisture. Do not attempt to clean significant black mold yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize spores. A professional inspection is critical to identify the mold species and the root cause—whether it's a hidden pipe leak, condensation from an AC unit, or seepage from external humidity. For a definitive cause and remediation plan, a company with microbiology lab testing can provide the evidence needed to clarify responsibility. The landlord is usually responsible for the repair of the wall and remediation, while tenant responsibilities might include covering costs for contents cleaning or relocation during the process, depending on the contract and the determined cause. |
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