Who is responsible for mold in a rented apartment?« Back to Previous Page
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Our master bedroom closet on the inside wall has been smelling damp for a couple of months, but after last week's heavy dew, I opened it to find a huge patch of black mold spreading on the back wall. We've been in this Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for three years with no issues until now. Who is responsible for fixing this and the cost—is it me as the tenant for not ventilating it enough, or is the landlord required to handle the repair since it's a structural wall?
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Based on UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007 and its amendments, the responsibility for mold remediation hinges on the source of the moisture. The landlord is unequivocally responsible for repairing structural defects and maintaining the property's main components, including the building envelope, plumbing, and AC systems. If this mold on your interior wall is a result of water infiltration from a leaking pipe within the wall, a faulty AC drain line causing condensation inside the duct, or a crack in the building's exterior facade, the financial and repair obligation falls on the landlord.
However, tenant responsibilities, as outlined in the tenancy contract, typically include maintaining adequate ventilation to prevent condensation, which is a major issue in Dubai's humid climate. If the dampness is solely due to a lack of air circulation—for instance, keeping the closet tightly closed without allowing AC airflow to penetrate—you could be held liable for the resulting damage. Given the severity you describe—a "huge patch" following a weather event—this strongly indicates an underlying structural or systemic moisture issue, not merely surface condensation. A professional inspection is critical to determine the exact cause. Our certified inspectors use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint hidden leaks and humidity sources, producing a legally defensible report for your landlord. Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as improper handling can exacerbate spore dispersal. For a definitive assessment and to ensure your rights are protected, I strongly recommend you contact our team for a comprehensive inspection. Call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a diagnostic visit. |
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