Is landlord responsible for black mold in apartment?« Back to Previous Page
|
We've lived in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for two years and just noticed a patch of black mold spreading from behind the wardrobe in the master bedroom. It's gotten worse since the humidity spiked last month. Are we responsible for the cleaning and repairs, or is this something the landlord needs to handle?
|
| ▲ ▼ |
Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. This includes addressing issues like persistent dampness or leaks in the building's exterior or plumbing systems that lead to mold growth.
Since the mold is spreading from behind a fixed wardrobe, the cause is likely a hidden leak in the plumbing or a breach in the building envelope, which falls under the landlord's maintenance obligations. The recent humidity spike is a common catalyst in Dubai's climate, but it typically exacerbates an existing moisture problem rather than being the sole cause. You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately, with clear photos showing the extent and location. They are obligated to investigate and repair the source of the moisture. For a patch that is actively spreading, a professional inspection is advised to identify the exact moisture source and assess the mold's extent behind the wall. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this will only temporarily remove the visible stain without addressing the hidden water issue or the root colony. The landlord should arrange for both the moisture remediation and the mold cleanup by qualified professionals to prevent recurrence. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a case with the Rental Dispute Center in Dubai. |
Please log in to post questions/answers:


