Is my landlord responsible for bedroom mold removal?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids' bedroom in our Jumeirah Village rental has had this damp, musty odor since the humidity spiked a few weeks ago, and I’ve just discovered a patch of black mold creeping up the wall behind their wardrobe. We run the AC constantly, but it doesn't seem to help. Is this something I need to handle myself, or is my landlord legally responsible for arranging and paying for professional mold removal?
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In Dubai, the responsibility for mold removal generally falls on the landlord if the issue stems from a structural fault, such as a leaking pipe, faulty AC condensation drainage, or water seepage through walls or windows. These are considered maintenance issues the property owner must address. The dampness behind the wardrobe in Jumeirah Village is a strong indicator of a potential hidden leak or insufficient insulation, which is the landlord's responsibility to investigate and rectify.
You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately, including clear photos of the mold and a description of the persistent musty odor. This creates a necessary paper trail. The high humidity here, combined with year-round AC use that can create cold surfaces prone to condensation, often accelerates mold growth in poorly maintained properties. For a small, surface-level patch, cleaning with a vinegar solution may be sufficient, but hidden mold behind walls or furniture typically requires professional assessment. The landlord should arrange for a proper inspection to identify the moisture source. Simply cleaning the visible mold without fixing the underlying water problem will result in it returning quickly. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center (RDC), as a mold issue caused by a structural defect can be considered a breach of the landlord's obligation to provide a habitable property. |
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