Is landlord responsible for mold removal after Dubai rains?« Back to Previous Page
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The wall behind our wardrobe in the master bedroom of our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment feels damp and cold, and we just found a big patch of black mold there. We’ve been here for about a year and it’s been fine, but it got really bad after the heavy rains and humidity last month. Is this something I need to handle myself, or is my landlord legally required to arrange and pay for the professional mold removal?
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Under Dubai tenancy law, the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and addressing issues arising from inherent building defects. Your situation, triggered by heavy rain and high humidity, points to a potential water intrusion or condensation issue, which is a structural maintenance problem. This makes it the landlord's responsibility to arrange and pay for the professional remediation.
The damp, cold wall suggests a persistent moisture problem, likely from a leak or significant condensation within the wall cavity. The black mold is a symptom. You must notify your landlord in writing immediately, with clear photos and a description. They are obligated to investigate the source of the moisture and fix it, not just remove the visible mold. Simply cleaning the surface is insufficient; the hidden moisture source must be identified and resolved to prevent recurrence. For a case of this severity, professional inspection and remediation are strongly advised. The process involves containment to prevent spores from spreading, safe removal of contaminated materials, and addressing the root moisture cause. In Dubai's climate, where high humidity and year-round AC use can create condensation issues, proper diagnosis is critical. A reputable provider will use lab analysis to identify the mold type and provide documentation of the remediation process, which is important for your records and for ensuring the landlord's contractor completes the job correctly. Do not attempt to remove a large patch yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize spores and worsen the contamination throughout your apartment. |
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