Is landlord required to fix dangerous black mold?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed a patch of black mold in the corner of our master bedroom closet, right against the exterior wall. It's been incredibly humid the last few weeks and the room constantly feels damp, even with the AC running. My wife has started getting headaches and I'm worried about our health. How urgent is it that we get this professionally treated, and is this something our landlord in Jumeirah is legally required to fix immediately?
Posted by Ibrahim Khoury
Asked on March 24, 2026 9:06 am
Based on your description, this is a situation that requires immediate professional attention. The location of the mold on an exterior wall, combined with the persistent damp feeling and the onset of health symptoms like headaches, strongly indicates a significant moisture issue, likely from a leak in the building envelope or severe interstitial condensation.

In the UAE, specifically Dubai, the landlord's responsibility is governed by Law No. 26 of 2007, known as the Dubai Rental Law. Under this law, landlords are legally obligated to undertake all necessary maintenance for the property to remain habitable. This includes addressing structural defects, such as water infiltration, and the resultant issues like dangerous mold growth, which constitutes a threat to health and safety. You must formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing of the issue, giving them a reasonable period to conduct repairs. Failure to address such a critical habitability issue can be grounds for filing a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre in Dubai.

Given the symptoms your wife is experiencing, I strongly recommend against attempting to remove this yourself. Disturbing black mold can aerosolize toxic spores, exacerbating health risks. The humidity in Dubai creates a perfect environment for mold, and standard AC units often contribute to the problem by creating cold spots that lead to condensation on exterior walls.

This is not a simple surface cleaning task. It requires a professional inspection to identify the exact moisture source, assess the extent of the contamination (which is often far greater than what is visible), and execute a safe, certified remediation protocol. For a situation like this in Jumeirah, contact a specialist such as Saniservice. They can provide a comprehensive assessment and ensure the remediation is handled correctly, protecting your health and the property. You can reach them at 800-MOLDS or hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 27, 2026 4:42 am