Is landlord responsible for mold cleanup in Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing and I suspect it’s from the black mold that’s been spreading along the corner of our master bedroom ceiling in our Discovery Gardens apartment. It started as a small patch after the heavy dew last month but has gotten a lot worse. I’ve read it’s a health hazard. Is my landlord legally required to handle the cleanup and repair, or is this on me as the tenant to fix?
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As a certified mold remediation specialist operating in Dubai, your situation in Discovery Gardens is unfortunately very common due to the high humidity and persistent condensation issues, particularly in buildings with year-round AC use. The black mold (likely Stachybotrys chartarum or Aspergillus niger) spreading on your ceiling is a significant health hazard, especially for children, and can indeed cause respiratory issues like coughing.
Under UAE tenancy law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is legally responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity and ensuring it is habitable. This includes addressing issues like mold that originate from building envelope failures, faulty waterproofing, or inherent ventilation problems—essentially, any cause beyond normal daily living condensation. The persistent dampness leading to mold growth on the ceiling corner strongly suggests an underlying issue, such as a potential leak from the AC condensation drain line, inadequate insulation creating a cold bridge, or seepage from the building exterior. Your first actionable step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue, detailing the health symptoms and the visible mold growth. They are obligated to investigate and rectify the root cause. Do not attempt to simply wipe it away yourself, as this can aerosolize toxic spores and exacerbate your children's health issues. For a definitive assessment and to strengthen your case with the landlord, I strongly recommend a professional indoor environmental inspection. Our certified team at Saniservice can conduct comprehensive air quality and surface sampling to identify the exact species and concentration of mold, pinpoint the moisture source, and provide a detailed report that outlines the necessary remediation protocol. This evidence is crucial for holding the landlord accountable. For immediate advice or to schedule a professional inspection, please call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com. Your family's health should be the priority. |
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