Is landlord responsible for black mold from condensation?« Back to Previous Page
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Our apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle has had a constant condensation problem on the windows since the weather got really hot, and now we’ve discovered a large patch of black mold growing behind the bedroom curtains. We've been wiping the windows down but it's clearly not enough. As tenants, are we responsible for cleaning this up ourselves, or is this something the landlord needs to fix, especially since it might be related to the building's insulation?
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Under Dubai tenancy law, the landlord is typically responsible for resolving structural or maintenance issues that cause mold, such as faulty building insulation, inadequate waterproofing, or defective AC systems leading to excessive condensation. As a tenant, you are generally responsible for routine cleaning and for reporting the issue promptly.
The persistent condensation you describe in JVC, especially during the high-humidity summer months, strongly suggests an underlying issue with the apartment's envelope or climate control system. Simply wiping the mold is a temporary fix; the moisture source must be addressed. Document the issue thoroughly with photos and dates and formally notify your landlord or property manager in writing. They are obligated to investigate and rectify the root cause. For a patch of significant size, a professional inspection is advised to identify the exact moisture source and the mold species. Remediation often involves containing the area, removing contaminated materials like drywall or curtains, and employing HEPA filtration to clear spores from the air—not just surface cleaning. Once the leak or insulation flaw is repaired, using a dehumidifier alongside your AC can help maintain a dry environment and prevent recurrence. |
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