Is landlord responsible for mold in Dubai apartment?« Back to Previous Page
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We've lived in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for two years and just noticed a patch of black, fuzzy mold spreading on the wall behind the wardrobe in the master bedroom. It's gotten worse since the humidity spiked a couple of weeks ago. I'm worried about my family's health and the damage to our belongings. Is the landlord responsible for the remediation, or is this on me as the tenant to handle and pay for?
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Based on the specific conditions in your Jumeirah Village Circle apartment, the responsibility for mold remediation hinges on the underlying cause, as defined by standard Dubai rental contracts (EJARI) and Law No. 26 of 2007.
As a tenant, you are responsible for maintaining the property through adequate ventilation and regular cleaning to prevent moisture accumulation, which is a significant challenge given Dubai's high humidity and the constant use of AC systems. The condensation that forms is often a tenant-maintenance issue. However, the landlord is unequivocally responsible for addressing the root cause if the mold is a result of a structural defect. This includes persistent water leaks from faulty plumbing within the walls, rising damp from a compromised damp-proof course, or inadequate external waterproofing that allows water ingress from the building envelope. The patch behind your wardrobe is a classic symptom of poor air circulation and localized condensation, exacerbated by the recent humidity spike. However, a concealed plumbing leak from an adjacent bathroom or the AC system cannot be ruled out without a professional inspection. I strongly recommend you do not attempt to clean this yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize harmful mycotoxins. Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photographs. Request a professional mold inspection to determine the exact cause. Our certified team at Saniservice uses thermal imaging, moisture meters, and air quality tests to pinpoint the moisture source and assess contamination levels. This report is crucial for definitively assigning financial responsibility for the necessary remediation and repairs. For immediate advice and to schedule a definitive inspection, please call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. |
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