Who is responsible for mold removal in a rental?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC in my bedroom closet has been leaking for a while, and now I’ve discovered a huge patch of black mold spreading on the back wall and on some of our stored suitcases. We’re in a rented apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle and I’ve reported the AC issue to the landlord before, but they were slow to fix it. Who is legally responsible for handling and paying for the mold removal here – me as the tenant or the building management/landlord?
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In the UAE, the responsibility for mold removal in a rental property is primarily dictated by the nature of the defect causing it, as outlined in the Civil Code. The landlord is legally responsible for maintaining the property's structure and ensuring it is habitable. Since your mold issue stems from a long-standing AC leak that you previously reported, the financial and remedial obligation almost certainly falls on your landlord. The AC system is a core part of the property's infrastructure, and their failure to address the leak in a timely manner, especially in Dubai's humid climate where such issues rapidly escalate, is the direct cause of the microbial growth.
However, as a tenant, you have a duty to report issues promptly and mitigate further damage. Document everything: take timestamped photos of the mold and the leak, and keep records of all communication with your landlord. Do not attempt to remove significant mold growth yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize toxic spores and spread contamination throughout the apartment. Given the scale you describe ("huge patch"), a professional inspection and remediation is critical. Our certified teams at Saniservice use specialized equipment like thermal imaging to pinpoint moisture sources and conduct air quality testing to determine spore counts and species. The remediation process involves containment, advanced HEPA filtration, and antimicrobial treatment to ensure the mold is safely and completely eradicated, preventing recurrence. For immediate assistance and to get a formal assessment that can be presented to your landlord, we strongly recommend you contact our experts. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection. |
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