Is landlord responsible for apartment mold in wardrobe?« Back to Previous Page
|
We've lived in our Jumeirah Village apartment for 2 years and just noticed a huge patch of black mold in the back of the bedroom wardrobe, which is on the wall facing outside. It must have been growing slowly for months and we only found it while doing a deep clean. The dehumidifier runs constantly but the smell is still really strong. Is this something I have to fix myself, or is the landlord responsible for getting it professionally removed?
|
|
In Dubai's climate, where high humidity and constant air conditioning create significant condensation risks, mold growth in apartments is a common issue. The responsibility for remediation is typically defined by the cause of the moisture. According to standard tenancy contract interpretations under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for addressing defects related to the building's structure and maintenance. If the mold in your wardrobe is a result of a penetrating damp issue from an external wall leak, faulty waterproofing, or inadequate insulation, the landlord is unequivocally responsible for the repairs and subsequent professional mold remediation.
However, if the moisture is solely due to interior condensation from daily activities (cooking, showering) without sufficient ventilation, the tenant may be liable. Given that the mold is on an external wall and your dehumidifier is running constantly, this strongly suggests a structural or insulation-related moisture source, not just ambient humidity. The persistent musty smell indicates a significant, established colony that requires more than DIY cleaning. For a definitive resolution, a professional inspection is critical. Our certified mold inspectors use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact source of the water intrusion. This evidence is essential for determining liability. We then provide a detailed report that can be used to formally request remediation from your landlord. Attempting removal yourself can disturb the spores, worsening airborne contamination. For a case of this magnitude, professional containment and hygienization by a company like Saniservice is necessary to ensure it is eradicated safely and completely. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection and obtain a formal assessment report for your landlord. |
Please log in to post questions/answers: