Who is responsible for black mold remediation costs?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's from a black mold patch I found behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom. We've lived in this Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for two years and it's gotten worse since the humidity spiked a couple of months ago. Who is responsible for handling this and the cost, me or the landlord, and should I ask them to do a full inspection?
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In the UAE, responsibility for mold remediation costs is typically dictated by the tenancy contract and the underlying cause of the moisture. According to common practice and Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. This includes addressing issues like leaking pipes, faulty external waterproofing, or defective AC units that lead to condensation and subsequent mold growth. The tenant is generally responsible for damages caused by their own negligence, such as failing to use the AC properly to control humidity or not reporting a minor leak in a timely manner, allowing the problem to escalate.
Given your description—specifically the location behind a wardrobe and the correlation with recent high humidity—this strongly suggests a condensation issue. In Dubai's climate, with extreme humidity and year-round AC use, cold exterior walls meeting warm, moist indoor air create perfect conditions for mold, especially behind large furniture blocking airflow. This is often considered a building envelope or ventilation issue, falling under the landlord's maintenance obligations. However, you must formally notify your landlord or building management in writing immediately. We strongly advise you to request a professional indoor environmental inspection before any remediation is attempted. A certified inspector, like those at Saniservice, will use tools like moisture meters and thermal imaging to identify the exact moisture source and the full extent of contamination, which is often hidden within walls. This evidence-based report is crucial for definitively assigning responsibility and ensuring the remediation protocol addresses the root cause, not just the visible patch. For your family's health and to resolve this correctly, please call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for a comprehensive assessment. |
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