Who is responsible for mold in my Dubai apartment?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the standard Ejari tenancy contract and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended), the responsibility for maintenance, which includes addressing issues like mold that affect the habitability of the property, typically falls on the landlord. This is especially true for structural or system-related causes, such as a leaking AC unit or inadequate insulation that leads to condensation.

However, the tenant is responsible for reporting the issue in a timely manner and for any damage resulting from negligence, like failing to use the AC properly to control humidity or not ventilating the property. Given that you've identified black spots near the AC vent—a potential source of moisture—this strongly points to a system or building envelope issue, which is the landlord's obligation to rectify.

The coughing you describe in your children is a significant health concern. Mold exposure, particularly the types that thrive in AC systems (like Cladosporium or Aspergillus), is a known trigger for asthma and allergic reactions. This is not something to delay on.

Your first actionable step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the suspected mold and its likely cause, mentioning the health symptoms. They should arrange for a professional inspection. Do not attempt to clean significant mold growth yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize spores and worsen the problem.

For a definitive identification of the mold type and to understand the health risk to your family, I strongly recommend a certified indoor environmental professional. We can conduct air quality testing and surface sampling to provide a scientific report, which is often necessary to compel a landlord to act and is crucial for your family's health.

Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection. We can provide the documentation you need to ensure the remediation is handled correctly and professionally.