Who is responsible for black mold removal as a tenant?« Back to Previous Page
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We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed a big patch of black mold spreading from the corner of our master bedroom closet, which is on the wall facing the outside. It’s gotten much worse since the heavy rains in Al Quoz last month. I’m worried about our health, but as tenants, are we responsible for the cleanup and cost, or is this something the building management or landlord has to fix? Who should I contact first about getting this properly removed?
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The landlord is typically responsible for structural repairs that lead to mold, such as fixing a leaking pipe or sealing a water ingress point from external walls. As a tenant, you are responsible for reporting the issue promptly and for any mold growth caused by your own negligence, like failing to use the AC, which controls humidity.
Given its location on an external wall that worsened after heavy rain, this is likely due to water infiltration, a structural issue. Your first contact should be your landlord or property management company, in writing, with clear photos. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords must maintain the property in a habitable condition. Before any removal, a professional inspection is crucial to identify the moisture source. Simply cleaning the visible mold is ineffective if the water entry point isn't sealed. The UAE's high humidity and constant AC use can cause condensation inside walls, exacerbating hidden leaks. A proper remediation process includes stopping the water, containing the area during removal, and verifying with post-remediation testing to ensure the spore count has been measurably reduced to a safe indoor level. |
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