Is landlord responsible for bedroom mold inspection?« Back to Previous Page
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The wall behind my wardrobe in the bedroom has these weird black spots that seem to be spreading, and the room has started to smell damp. We’ve been in this Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for about a year and it’s gotten worse since the humidity kicked in a couple of months ago. I’ve read my tenancy contract but it’s not clear – am I responsible for getting a mold inspection done, or is this something my landlord has to handle and pay for?
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Under Dubai's tenancy laws, the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes addressing the root cause of mold, such as a hidden water leak or seepage. You, as the tenant, are responsible for reporting the issue promptly and for any damage caused by your own negligence, like blocking ventilation.
Given the description—black spots spreading behind a wardrobe and a damp smell worsening with humidity—this is a serious case requiring professional inspection. The wall likely has condensation or a leak, common in JVC apartments where year-round AC use can create cold surfaces for moisture to condense. A proper inspection identifies the mold type and, crucially, the moisture source. Without fixing the leak, cleaning is temporary. Document everything with dated photos and notify your landlord in writing immediately. Request a professional mold inspection to assess the extent and source. If the landlord disputes responsibility, you may need to escalate to the Dubai Rental Dispute Center, but a professional report from an inspection company with a microbiology lab is your strongest evidence, as it verifies the cause. For a spreading problem like this, a DIY test kit is insufficient. |
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