Who is responsible for black mold repair in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page
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The wall behind our sofa in the living room has a large patch of black mold that we just discovered when moving furniture. It's been humid for the last month and the AC unit on that wall has been dripping more than usual. Who is responsible for fixing this and the cost, us as tenants or the landlord in Dubai?
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Responsibility depends on the source of the moisture. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are responsible for repairing structural defects and issues with main building systems, including faulty AC units if they are provided with the property. Tenants are responsible for damage resulting from their own negligence or failure to maintain.
In your case, the dripping AC unit is the most likely cause of the moisture leading to the mold growth. This suggests a malfunction of a provided appliance, which is typically the landlord's responsibility to repair. You should formally notify your landlord or property management company immediately in writing, including photos of both the mold and the dripping AC unit. They are generally obligated to address the root cause. For the mold remediation itself, the responsibility for cost can be negotiated. The landlord must fix the AC leak. For the mold cleanup, if the infestation is extensive (over 10 square feet is a common benchmark for professional intervention), a professional assessment is strongly advised to ensure it is removed safely. The landlord may cover the full cost if the issue is due to their property's disrepair. Document everything thoroughly. Due to Dubai's high humidity and constant AC use, condensation issues are frequent. A persistent drip from an indoor unit often indicates a blocked drain line or low refrigerant, both of which require a technician. After the leak is fixed, the area must be thoroughly dried before the mold is cleaned to prevent immediate regrowth. |
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