Who pays for mold removal in a JVC apartment?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai, responsibility for mold removal typically falls on the landlord, as they are obligated to provide a habitable property under the rental law. This includes addressing structural issues causing the infestation, like a leaking pipe or faulty external waterproofing that allows moisture ingress.

However, the tenant is usually responsible for costs stemming from their own negligence. If the mold is a direct result of tenant behavior—such as failing to use the AC to control humidity, not reporting a minor leak, or poor ventilation caused by pushing furniture tightly against walls—you may be liable for the remediation. Your case in JVC, with growth behind a wardrobe in a humid month, is a common scenario where the cause needs professional assessment. The wall could be a cold bridge condensing moisture, or there might be a hidden leak.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos. They should arrange an inspection to determine the root cause. For a significant patch that's spreading, a professional inspection is critical to identify the moisture source and mold type. Remediation is more than just wiping it away; the underlying water issue must be fixed to prevent immediate recurrence. In many disputes, the final cost responsibility is determined by the inspection report's findings on the cause.