Is black mold in my Dubai apartment the landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page
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We've lived in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for two years and just noticed a bunch of black, fuzzy mold growing behind our bedroom wardrobe. It's been super humid lately, and the wall feels damp to the touch. I clean regularly, but this seems like it's coming from inside the wall. Is this my responsibility to fix or the landlord's, and what's the first step I should take?
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Based on the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the responsibility for fixing mold in your JVC apartment depends on the source of the moisture. If the dampness and subsequent mold growth are due to a structural defect, like a leaking pipe inside the wall, a crack in the building envelope, or faulty waterproofing, then it is unequivocally the landlord's responsibility to rectify the issue and cover the costs of both the repair and the mold remediation.
However, if the issue is determined to be a result of tenant behavior—such as inadequate ventilation, failing to use AC units to control humidity, or activities that generate excess moisture without proper exhaust—then the responsibility and cost may fall on you. The key is identifying the root cause. Given your description that the wall feels damp and the mold is behind a large piece of furniture, this strongly suggests a hidden leak or condensation due to poor insulation, both of which are structural and the landlord's obligation. Your first step is to immediately notify your landlord or property management company in writing, detailing the issue and including clear photographs. Do not attempt to remove the mold yourself, as disturbing it can release harmful spores and complicate the liability assessment. We strongly recommend a professional indoor environmental inspection to conclusively determine the moisture source and the extent of the contamination. Our certified inspectors use tools like thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to pinpoint the issue without destructive testing. This report is vital evidence for your landlord and will outline the exact scope of remediation work required. For a definitive assessment and to protect your health, call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection. |
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