Landlord or tenant responsible for mold in Dubai apartment?« Back to Previous Page
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We've been in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for about a year, and just noticed a spreading patch of black, fuzzy mold in the corner of our main bedroom closet, behind some clothes. It's definitely gotten worse since the humidity spiked a couple of weeks ago. Who is responsible for dealing with this and the cost – is it us as tenants or is the landlord required to handle this kind of repair?
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In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation hinges on the source of the moisture, as dictated by standard tenancy contract terms and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended). The landlord is responsible for the structural integrity of the property. Therefore, if the mold is a result of a structural issue like a leaking pipe within the walls, a faulty AC drainage system, or water ingress from the building envelope, the landlord must address both the root cause and the resulting mold at their cost.
However, as a tenant, you are responsible for maintaining the property in a clean and habitable condition. If the mold is due to tenant-induced factors—such as inadequate ventilation, failure to use provided AC systems to control humidity, drying clothes indoors, or obstructing airflow in closets—the cost of remediation would likely fall to you. The high humidity and condensation prevalent in Dubai's climate, especially during summer, require diligent use of air conditioning to manage indoor moisture levels. Given the situation in your Jumeirah Village Circle apartment, the location behind clothing suggests a strong possibility of condensation due to restricted airflow in a high-humidity environment. However, a professional inspection is critical to definitively identify the moisture source. We strongly recommend a certified mold assessment from a company like Saniservice. Our experts use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the origin, which determines liability. For a conclusive evaluation and to protect your health and tenancy rights, call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Do not attempt to remove significant growth yourself, as improper handling can spread harmful spores. |
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