Who is responsible for fixing mold on bedroom wall?« Back to Previous Page
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The wall behind my wardrobe in the bedroom has started getting these black spots, and it's been spreading since the weather got more humid last month. My landlord is saying it's because we don't run the AC enough, but we keep it on almost 24/7. Who is actually responsible for fixing this and paying for the treatment, the tenant or the landlord?
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The landlord is typically responsible for fixing mold caused by structural or maintenance issues, which is often the case in Dubai's climate. The key is determining the source. If the wall behind the wardrobe is an exterior wall, it could be condensation from the temperature difference between the hot outside air and your cooled room—a building envelope issue. Persistent high humidity can also seep through from bathrooms or leaks in hidden pipes.
Your landlord's claim about AC usage is a common point of contention. While running AC 24/7 helps control humidity, it may not overcome a significant underlying problem. Document everything: take dated photos of the spread, note your AC usage, and keep communication in writing. For a definitive answer, a professional inspection is needed to identify the moisture source. This is not just surface cleaning; the wall likely needs to be opened to assess and repair the cause. In Dubai, the responsibility for repairs falls on the property owner if the issue is related to the building's structure or essential services. You can propose splitting the cost of an independent assessment with your landlord to establish the cause objectively, as this report will determine financial responsibility for the full remediation. |
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