Is landlord responsible for mold in Jumeirah Village Circle?« Back to Previous Page
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The wall behind our master bedroom wardrobe in Jumeirah Village Circle has started showing these black, fuzzy patches, and it’s gotten noticeably worse since the humidity kicked in last month. We’ve been wiping it off, but it just comes back. My landlord is saying it’s our fault for not ventilating properly, but the AC runs almost constantly. Are we responsible for the cost of fixing this, or is the landlord obligated to handle a potential mold remediation?
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In Dubai's rental market, the landlord is typically responsible for remedying structural issues that cause mold, such as water leaks from faulty plumbing, cracks in the building envelope, or inadequate insulation. You are generally responsible for day-to-day moisture control through ventilation and AC use. However, Dubai's high humidity and constant AC operation create a complex situation where condensation is common, often blurring the lines of responsibility.
Since the mold is on a structural wall and recurs despite wiping and AC use, the root cause is likely a hidden leak or insufficient waterproofing, which falls under the landlord's maintenance obligations. Document the issue thoroughly with dated photos and a written notification to the landlord. Mention that the mold has progressed despite your mitigation efforts. For a definitive assessment, a professional inspection is needed to identify the moisture source. This report, often involving thermal imaging and moisture meters, provides the evidence required to determine liability. If the inspector finds a structural defect, the landlord is obligated to fix it and the resulting mold under Dubai's rental laws. If the cause is deemed to be condensation from lifestyle, you may share responsibility. Given the location in a wardrobe, a common spot for trapped humid air, the issue is frequent in JVC. Do not attempt to remove it yourself, as improper cleaning can aerosolize spores. A proper remediation protocol by a certified company is required to resolve it safely and prevent recurrence. |
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