Landlord or tenant responsible for bedroom mold in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page
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We've lived in our Jumeirah Village Triangle apartment for two years and just noticed a patch of black mold spreading from the corner of the bedroom ceiling. It appeared after the heavy humidity last month and seems to be getting bigger. Who is responsible for dealing with this, me as the tenant or the landlord, and what's the process to get it fixed properly?
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Responsibility for mold remediation in a Dubai rental property typically depends on the cause, as defined by Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007). The landlord is responsible for fixing issues related to the building's structure, such as a leaking roof or pipe within the walls, which is a common cause of the ceiling mold you've described after a humid period. You, as the tenant, are generally responsible for damage caused by your own negligence or failure to maintain adequate ventilation.
Given that it's on the ceiling and appeared after high humidity, the cause is likely an underlying leak or insufficient insulation leading to condensation. Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos, and request an immediate inspection for water intrusion. For a proper fix, they must address the source of the moisture first—simply painting over it is ineffective. The intense humidity and year-round AC use in Dubai create perfect conditions for mold if any moisture is present. A professional inspection can identify the exact source; remediation involves fixing the leak, thoroughly drying the area, and then removing the contaminated materials. For a patch that's spreading, DIY cleaning is not advised as it often fails to address the root cause and can disturb toxic spores. Verifiable remediation requires addressing both the visible growth and the hidden moisture problem. |
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