Is landlord responsible for mold remediation cost?« 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 ceiling in our master bedroom closet. It started as a small patch after the heavy rains in Al Quoz a couple of months ago but has gotten much worse. I’ve notified the landlord, but they say it's our responsibility to deal with the humidity. As a tenant, am I legally responsible for the cost of the mold remediation for this, or is the building owner obligated to fix it?
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Based on the specific conditions you've described, the landlord is almost certainly responsible for the cost of the mold remediation. The key factor here is the origin: the mold growth was triggered by water intrusion from the heavy rains in Al Quoz. Under UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is legally obligated to maintain the property and undertake major repairs to ensure it is habitable. This includes addressing structural issues, such as a leaking roof or faulty waterproofing, that allow moisture to penetrate the building envelope.
While tenants are responsible for general maintenance and controlling interior humidity through proper AC usage and ventilation, a mold outbreak stemming from a pre-existing building defect is the landlord's financial and legal responsibility. Their claim that it is solely a humidity issue is incorrect, as the initial water damage from the rain event is the root cause. The persistently high humidity in Dubai, combined with year-round AC use that can lead to condensation if systems are undersized or poorly maintained, exacerbates the problem but does not absolve the landlord of their duty to fix the leak. Given that the mold is spreading and your children are exhibiting respiratory symptoms, this is a serious health and safety issue. We strongly recommend you cease using the affected closet and seek a professional inspection immediately. Our certified mold inspectors can conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify the exact moisture source, perform air and surface sampling to identify the mold species (including toxic black mold, Stachybotrys chartarum), and provide a detailed remediation protocol. This official report will be crucial evidence for your landlord. For immediate assistance, please call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection. |
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