Is mold remediation a tenant or landlord responsibility?« Back to Previous Page
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The wall behind our sofa in the living room of our apartment in Jumeirah has started to show these black speckles, and it's been spreading since the humidity really kicked in last month. We always keep the AC on, but the smell is getting really damp. As a tenant, am I responsible for fixing this myself, or is it the landlord's job to handle the remediation and find the source of the moisture?
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In the UAE, specifically Dubai, the responsibility for mold remediation is typically governed by the rental contract terms and Law No. 26 of 2007, known as the Dubai Rental Law. As a tenant, you are generally responsible for the day-to-day maintenance and cleanliness of the property. However, the landlord is legally obligated to provide a habitable premises and is responsible for rectifying any structural or inherent defects that lead to issues like persistent mold growth.
The black speckles behind your sofa in Jumeirah are a classic sign of a condensation issue, exacerbated by our extreme humidity and the constant cooling from your AC unit. The wall is likely a cold bridge, where warm, humid air is condensing on the cooler surface. While you are expected to use ventilation systems appropriately, the root cause—such as inadequate insulation, leaking pipes within the walls, or faulty external waterproofing—is a structural concern that falls under the landlord's purview. Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue, as this triggers their legal responsibility to investigate and rectify the source of the moisture. Do not attempt to simply clean it yourself, as this is a temporary fix that will not address the underlying moisture problem, and improper cleaning can aerosolize spores. We strongly recommend a professional inspection to identify the exact moisture source and extent of contamination. Our certified experts at Saniservice use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint hidden leaks and assess the wall cavity. We provide a detailed report that can be used to clearly define responsibility between tenant and landlord. For a definitive assessment and remediation plan, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. |
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