Who is responsible for mold in my Dubai apartment?« Back to Previous Page
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The back of our bedroom wardrobe, which is on the outside wall of our apartment in Jumeirah, feels damp and I've started seeing black speckles on some of our shoe boxes. It's been like this since the humidity really kicked in a few weeks ago. My landlord is saying it's because we don't run the AC enough, but we keep it at 24. Who is actually responsible for the inspection and cost of fixing this mold issue?
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Based on UAE Civil Code and the standard Dubai rental contract (Ejari), the landlord is generally responsible for the structural integrity of the property and addressing issues arising from inherent building defects. The dampness on an outside wall in Jumeirah is a classic sign of a potential water seepage issue from outside, possibly a leaking pipe in the wall or insufficient external waterproofing, which is not tenant-caused.
While landlords often blame AC usage, maintaining it at 24°C is perfectly reasonable for humidity control. The responsibility for inspection and remediation costs hinges on the cause. The landlord is obligated to investigate and rectify the source of the moisture intrusion. You are responsible for any mold growth resulting from your own negligence, but this situation points to a structural problem. Your first step is to formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best) with photos, requesting a professional mold inspection to determine the root cause. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as improper handling can spread spores. A certified inspector will use moisture meters, thermal imaging, and air sampling to identify the source and extent, providing a report that legally outlines liability. For a definitive assessment and a report that holds up with your landlord, I strongly recommend a professional evaluation. Our team can identify the exact moisture source and provide a remediation protocol. Feel free to call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for a consultation. |
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