Who is responsible for bedroom closet mold in Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page
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The ceiling in our Jumeirah Village Triangle bedroom closet has had this weird black spotting for a while, but it's gotten way worse since the humidity kicked in last month. The landlord is saying it's because we don't run the AC enough, but we keep it at 24 when we're out. Who is actually responsible for getting this tested and removed, us or the building management?
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The landlord is responsible for mold remediation in your rental property. Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the property owner must maintain the unit's structure to ensure it is habitable, which includes addressing leaks and condensation issues that lead to mold growth.
Your landlord's claim about AC usage is a common point of contention. While running AC 24/7 can help manage humidity, structural issues are the primary cause. In Jumeirah Village Triangle, high humidity and poorly insulated ceilings or AC duct condensation leaks are frequent culprits. Setting the AC to 24°C when out is a reasonable practice and unlikely to be the sole cause of significant spreading. You should formally notify your landlord in writing about the worsening mold, as it is a health and safety concern. Request a professional inspection to identify the moisture source—be it a roof leak, pipe condensation, or inadequate insulation. A proper remediation involves fixing the water intrusion first, then removing the mold. For verification, a certified inspection with lab analysis can definitively identify the mold type and its likely cause, which is useful if the landlord remains uncooperative. This report provides concrete evidence of the underlying issue, separating tenant lifestyle from building defects. If the landlord refuses to act, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. |
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