Who is responsible for mold removal: tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page
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The back of my bedroom closet in my Jumeirah Village Circle apartment has started to get these black spots, and it's definitely spreading. I first spotted it about a month ago, but it's gotten much worse since the recent humidity. The room has a bit of a damp smell now, and I'm worried about my clothes.
Who is legally responsible for handling this and the cost of repairs—me as the tenant or my landlord?
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In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation is primarily governed by the rental contract and Law No. (26) of 2007, known as the Dubai Rental Law. Generally, the landlord is legally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and addressing issues arising from inherent building defects, such as faulty waterproofing, leaking central AC systems, or poor external wall insulation that leads to condensation. These are considered major repairs.
As a tenant, you are responsible for maintenance resulting from your own negligence or misuse, such as failing to use the AC appropriately to control humidity, causing excessive indoor moisture, or blocking ventilation points. The recent humidity you mentioned is a key factor; Dubai's climate, especially during summer, creates ideal conditions for mold growth if a property is not properly climate-controlled. Given your situation in Jumeirah Village Circle, the pattern of growth on an interior wall in a closet strongly suggests a humidity/condensation issue, potentially exacerbated by an underlying leak or insufficient insulation. The first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photographs, and request an immediate inspection. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as improper remediation can spread spores and exacerbate the problem. For a definitive assessment of the cause and scope, a professional inspection is essential. We at Saniservice utilize thermal imaging, moisture meters, and air quality testing to identify the moisture source and classify the contamination. This professional report is crucial for accurately determining liability between tenant and landlord. For immediate advice or to schedule a diagnostic inspection, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. |
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