Is landlord responsible for black mold in Dubai apartment?« Back to Previous Page
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Our master bedroom in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment has had a damp smell ever since the heavy humidity started a couple of months ago, and now my husband's asthma, which was usually fine, has gotten really bad at night. I just pulled the bed away from the wall and found a huge patch of black mold hidden behind it. Our landlord is saying it's because we run the AC too cold, but we keep it at 24. Who is legally responsible for fixing this and the cleaning costs in Dubai, us or the landlord?
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Based on the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is unequivocally responsible for addressing structural and maintenance issues that affect the habitability of the property, which includes problems like dampness and mold resulting from building envelope defects, leaking pipes, or faulty AC drainage systems.
The landlord's claim that running your AC at 24°C causes mold is incorrect. In fact, the opposite is true; properly functioning AC is essential for controlling humidity in our climate. Mold growth behind the bed in JVC is a classic symptom of a pre-existing condensation or water intrusion issue, not your usage. The high humidity we've been experiencing simply exacerbates the underlying problem. For your health and safety, a professional inspection is critical. We need to identify the moisture source—whether it's a failed seal, a cavity wall leak, or a faulty AC drain pipe condensate leak—before remediation can begin. The hidden nature of this growth means there could be more within the wall cavity. Document everything with photos and formally notify your landlord in writing. If they remain uncooperative, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. In the meantime, for your husband's asthma, it's imperative to address this professionally. For a certified inspection and a detailed report you can present to your landlord, call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We can identify the root cause and provide the documentation needed to ensure the landlord fulfills their legal obligation. |
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