Is mold from a ceiling leak my landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the UAE Civil Code, specifically Federal Law No. 5 of 1985, the landlord is legally obligated to maintain the property's structural integrity and ensure it is habitable. A persistent ceiling leak is a structural defect, and the resulting mold is a direct consequence of this failure in maintenance. Therefore, it is unequivocally your landlord's responsibility to rectify both the leak at its source and the resultant mold contamination.

The symptoms you describe—sore throats and stuffy noses upon waking—are classic indicators of exposure to mold spores, particularly the black mold (likely Stachybotrys chartarum or Aspergillus niger) you're observing. Simply wiping the visible spots is ineffective and hazardous, as it aerosolizes the spores, increasing inhalation risk. The leak must be stopped, the affected building materials professionally assessed, and the mold remediated using industry-standard protocols for containment and removal to prevent cross-contamination.

You should formally report this in writing to your landlord or property management company immediately, citing the health symptoms and attaching photographic evidence. Failure to address this constitutes a breach of their legal duty. For a proper assessment and to ensure the remediation is handled correctly to protect your family's health, I strongly recommend a professional indoor environmental quality inspection.

Our certified team can provide a comprehensive report detailing the extent of the contamination and the required remediation scope, which can be used to formally request action from your landlord. Don't risk your health with DIY methods.

Call 800-MOLDS or 800-66537 to schedule an inspection or email hello@saniservice.com for immediate assistance.