Who is responsible for mold on a rental apartment wall?« Back to Previous Page
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We've lived in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for about a year, and last week I finally pulled our bed away from the wall to find a huge patch of black mold behind it, right on the exterior wall. The humidity in that room has always been terrible, and the wall even feels slightly damp to the touch. Who is responsible for arranging and paying for the mold inspection and remediation, me as the tenant or my landlord?
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In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is primarily governed by the rental contract and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, known as the Dubai Rental Law. Generally, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes addressing issues arising from building envelope defects, such as leaking pipes or faulty external waterproofing that leads to damp walls. As a tenant, you are responsible for maintaining the interior cleanliness and ensuring adequate ventilation to prevent issues caused by lifestyle factors.
Your situation in Jumeirah Village Circle is a classic case. The mold on the exterior wall, coupled with a persistent damp feeling, strongly indicates a potential structural moisture intrusion, such as a seepage issue or inadequate insulation against condensation. Dubai's high humidity and year-round AC use can cause significant condensation on cold surfaces if the building's thermal performance is poor. This is typically a landlord's responsibility to rectify. However, the first step is a professional inspection to determine the exact moisture source. A certified mold assessor will conduct a visual examination, moisture mapping with specialized meters, and air quality testing to identify the mold species and the root cause. This report is crucial evidence for determining liability. Do not attempt to clean significant mold growth yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize toxins and spread contamination. For a definitive diagnosis and a legally sound remediation protocol, I recommend you contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive inspection. We will provide the detailed report you need to formally request that your landlord fulfills their obligation to fix the underlying issue and remediate the mold. |
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