Who is responsible for mold cleanup and damaged items?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle has been leaking a bit into the closet, and now I’ve found black mold spreading on the back wall and on some of our shoes. I reported the leak to the landlord a month ago but they only just fixed it last week. Who is responsible for the mold cleanup and replacing our damaged belongings, me or the landlord?
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Based on UAE rental law, specifically Law No. 26 of 2007, the landlord is fundamentally responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity and ensuring it is habitable. This includes the maintenance and repair of all major building systems, such as the air conditioning unit. Since the AC leak was the direct cause of the moisture intrusion and you reported it a month prior to the repair, the landlord's delayed response likely establishes their liability for the resulting mold damage.
The cleanup of the mold itself falls under their obligation to restore the property to a habitable condition. This is not a superficial cleaning task; the hidden mold within the closet cavity and potential contamination in the AC system require professional mold remediation to ensure complete removal and prevent recurrence, which is a common issue in Dubai's humid climate where condensation problems are exacerbated by year-round AC use. Regarding your damaged personal belongings, such as the shoes, you would need to provide evidence that the damage was a direct result of the landlord's negligence in addressing the reported leak in a timely manner. Documentation is crucial here. For a definitive assessment and to protect your interests, I strongly recommend a professional inspection. A certified mold assessor can provide an official report detailing the cause, extent of contamination, and necessary remediation protocols. This report is vital evidence for any discussions with your landlord or potential legal claims. For this, you can contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for a comprehensive assessment and a clear path to resolution. |
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