Who is responsible for black mold cleanup in a rental?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's from the black mold I just found spreading along the back wall of our bedroom closet in Al Barsha. It's been especially humid lately and I'm worried the landlord will say it's our fault for not airing the place out enough. Who is actually responsible for dealing with this and paying for the cleanup, us or the building management?
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Based on UAE Civil Code and Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the responsibility for structural issues and problems arising from the building's inherent condition, such as water seepage or inadequate ventilation leading to mold, typically falls on the landlord. The persistent high humidity in Dubai, especially during summer months, combined with potential construction flaws or leaking AC condensation lines, often creates the perfect environment for mold growth within wall cavities—a clear structural issue.
Tenants are responsible for maintaining general cleanliness and ensuring adequate ventilation by using exhaust fans and not blocking AC units. However, the discovery of significant black mold spreading on a wall, particularly if it coincides with health symptoms like coughing, strongly indicates a underlying moisture problem that is the landlord's legal obligation to rectify. This includes the cost of professional remediation to ensure it is handled safely and effectively. We strongly advise against attempting to clean this yourself, as improper disturbance of black mold can aerosolize toxins and worsen the problem. Document the issue with photographs and formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, requesting a professional mold inspection. Our team at Saniservice can provide a comprehensive assessment, including moisture mapping and air quality testing, to definitively identify the source and provide a certified remediation report for your landlord. For immediate assistance, please call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com. |
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