Is landlord responsible for bedroom mold remediation costs?« Back to Previous Page
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The wall behind my wardrobe in the bedroom of our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment has started showing these black spots, and it’s been getting worse since the humidity spiked a few weeks ago. We wipe it down but it just comes back, and my husband’s allergies have been terrible. Is this something I need to fix myself, or is my landlord responsible for the remediation costs?
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The responsibility for mold remediation costs depends on the source of the moisture. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. If the mold is due to a building envelope issue, like a leaking pipe in the wall, a faulty external seal, or inadequate insulation causing condensation, the landlord is typically responsible for the repair and remediation.
However, if the moisture source is determined to be tenant-related, such as insufficient use of air conditioning leading to high indoor humidity, the cost may fall to you. The persistent return after wiping, especially in a concealed area like behind a wardrobe, strongly suggests a hidden moisture source within the wall. This is a common issue in JVC apartments where humidity and temperature differentials between air-conditioned rooms and non-insulated exterior walls can cause significant condensation. You should formally notify your landlord in writing immediately, with photos showing the progression. For a case with health symptoms and recurring growth, a professional inspection is advised to identify the exact moisture source. This diagnostic report is crucial for determining liability. Do not attempt to remediate it yourself with bleach, as this will only temporarily remove the visible stain and not address the root cause, allowing the problem to worsen inside the wall cavity. |
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