Landlord or tenant: who pays for bedroom mold remediation?« Back to Previous Page
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The corner of my bedroom wall behind the wardrobe has had this dark, fuzzy black patch growing for the last few months, and it's definitely getting bigger. We live in an older building in Deira and I keep the AC running, but the room always feels a bit damp. I'm worried about my toddler's health and the damage to the wall. Who is legally responsible for dealing with this and paying for the remediation, me as the tenant or my landlord?
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As a certified mold remediation specialist operating in Dubai, the question of financial responsibility for mold issues is a common one, governed by UAE tenancy law. The primary determining factor is the root cause of the moisture.
Under Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended), the landlord is legally obligated to provide a habitable property and is responsible for rectifying structural defects. This includes issues like leaking pipes in the walls, faulty external waterproofing, or inadequate insulation that lead to condensation and subsequent mold growth. Given your description of an older building in Deira and a persistent damp feeling despite AC use, the cause is highly likely to be a structural or systemic issue, such as a breach in the building envelope or an underlying leak, placing initial responsibility on the landlord. However, tenant responsibilities are also outlined. If the mold is a direct result of tenant negligence—such as failing to use the provided AC system adequately, causing excessive indoor humidity through activities like drying clothes indoors without ventilation, or not reporting a minor leak in a timely manner—the cost of remediation could fall to you. Given the presence of black mold and a toddler, whose respiratory systems are particularly vulnerable, a professional inspection is non-negotiable. Our certified inspectors at Saniservice can perform a comprehensive assessment, including moisture mapping and air quality testing, to definitively identify the moisture source. This technical report is crucial evidence for determining liability. We strongly recommend you contact your landlord immediately, inform them of the issue, and request a professional evaluation. For immediate assistance, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a diagnostic inspection. |
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