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

Based on the UAE Civil Code (Federal Law No. 5 of 1985), the responsibility for fixing the mold issue in your villa is determined by the source of the problem.

The landlord is legally obligated to maintain the property's structural integrity and ensure it is habitable. The damp wall you describe strongly indicates a structural or building envelope issue, such as a leaking pipe within the wall, a crack in the external facade allowing water ingress from the humid air, or a failure in the waterproofing. Since this is a concealed defect affecting the core structure, the repair responsibility and associated costs fall squarely on the landlord.

However, as the tenant, you have a responsibility to properly ventilate the property and report any defects in a timely manner. Prolonged lack of ventilation, especially with furniture pressed against exterior walls, can exacerbate a pre-existing moisture problem.

The health risks for your family are significant. That persistent coughing is a classic symptom of exposure to mold spores, particularly the black mold (likely Stachybotrys chartarum) you've found. Prolonged exposure can lead to chronic respiratory issues, allergic reactions, headaches, and fatigue, especially in children.

You must act immediately. First, formally notify your landlord/property manager in writing about the discovery, including photos. Request urgent remediation. For a case of this severity, a professional inspection is non-negotiable. We need to conduct air quality and surface sampling to identify the mold species and concentration, and more critically, use moisture meters and thermal imaging to pinpoint the exact source of the water intrusion.

Do not attempt to remove it yourself, as improper handling will aerosolize the spores, worsening the contamination. For a professional assessment and a certified remediation plan, please call our team at 800-MOLDS or 800-66537.