Is my landlord responsible for fixing apartment mold?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids' bedroom in our Jumeirah Village Triangle apartment has had this musty smell for weeks, and I just found black spots spreading along the bottom of the wall behind their wardrobe. We’ve been here almost a year and it wasn't an issue until after the heavy humidity last month. Is this something I need to fix myself, or is my landlord responsible for dealing with the mold remediation?
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Based on the UAE Civil Code (Federal Law No. 5 of 1985) and standard tenancy contract stipulations, the responsibility for mold remediation is typically determined by the source of the moisture.
Your landlord is legally responsible for fixing the mold issue if the cause is a structural or maintenance-related defect. This includes problems like leaking pipes within the walls, a faulty AC drainage system, cracks in the building envelope allowing water ingress, or inadequate waterproofing. Given your location in Jumeirah Village Triangle and the timing after a period of high humidity, a persistent AC condensation issue or a minor, unnoticed leak is a strong possibility. The landlord is obligated to provide a habitable property, and this includes addressing the root cause of the moisture. However, tenant responsibilities often cover mold resulting from lifestyle factors, such as insufficient ventilation, drying clothes indoors, or failing to regularly run the AC to control the extreme Dubai humidity. The placement behind a large piece of furniture like a wardrobe is a classic example of where restricted airflow can lead to condensation and mold growth, even in air-conditioned spaces. Given the spread you've described, this is not a minor surface issue. Attempting to clean it yourself with bleach is ineffective and can exacerbate the problem by releasing spores and not addressing the hidden moisture source. We strongly recommend a professional inspection to accurately identify the moisture origin and the extent of the contamination. This report is crucial evidence for discussing responsibility with your landlord. For immediate, expert assessment and to ensure the health of your children, we advise you to contact our team. Call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive inspection and moisture mapping. |
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