Is landlord responsible for mold in my Dubai apartment?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for a month and their pediatrician mentioned it could be mold-induced asthma. I’ve just found patches of black mold in the corner of their bedroom closet, which is on an interior wall. We’ve been in this Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for about a year. Who is legally responsible for dealing with this and the cost of remediation, me as the tenant or my landlord?
Posted by Jacob Martin
Asked on March 19, 2026 11:26 am
Based on UAE Civil Code, particularly Article 17 of Law No. 26 of 2007 regulating the relationship between landlords and tenants in Dubai, the landlord is legally obligated to maintain the property and carry out major repairs that affect the property's usability or the tenant's health and safety. Mold, especially when it's causing health issues like your children's asthma, falls squarely under this category.

The key here is the source of the moisture. Since you mentioned the mold is on an interior wall, the most likely culprits are a hidden plumbing leak from adjacent bathrooms or AC condensation drain lines, or a construction defect allowing humidity to penetrate the wall. These are structural issues the landlord is 100% responsible for fixing. Your responsibility as a tenant is typically limited to reporting the issue promptly and maintaining good ventilation.

However, you MUST get a professional inspection to confirm the source. A certified mold inspector will use thermal imaging and moisture meters to identify the exact cause and extent of the infestation, which is critical evidence for your landlord. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as improper remediation can aerosolize the spores and severely worsen the asthma symptoms.

Given the serious health impact on your kids, you need to act fast. Send a formal written notification to your landlord or property management company, outlining the issue and the pediatrician's concerns. Request immediate professional remediation. If they are unresponsive, you can escalate to the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center.

For a definitive assessment and to get the evidence you need, I strongly recommend calling our team for a comprehensive inspection. We can provide the official report you require.

Call 800-MOLDS or 800-66537 or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection. Your children's health is not something to gamble with.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 20, 2026 8:55 pm