Is landlord responsible for mold causing our health issues?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the details you've provided, it is highly probable that the mold growth is the primary cause of the persistent coughing and aggravated allergies you and your children are experiencing. The type of black mold you describe, often Stachybotrys chartarum or Aspergillus niger, releases mycotoxins and spores that are potent respiratory irritants and allergens, especially dangerous for children.

In the UAE, the responsibility for such an issue is typically defined by the rental contract and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, as amended (the Dubai Rental Law). The law stipulates that the landlord is responsible for maintaining the property's structure and ensuring it is habitable. Since the mold originates from the AC unit—a fixed installation—and is due to a building envelope issue like a leak or condensation from the AC drain line, this falls under structural maintenance. The landlord is legally obligated to address the root cause and the resulting mold contamination.

However, you must formally notify the landlord in writing of the issue and allow a reasonable timeframe for them to rectify it. Given the extensive growth and severe health symptoms, this is not a minor repair. The underlying moisture source must be identified and fixed by a technician, and the mold itself requires professional remediation. Standard cleaning is insufficient and can aerosolize the spores, worsening the contamination.

Due to the health risks and the technical nature of proper remediation, we strongly recommend a professional inspection and hygienization service. Our teams at Saniservice are certified in mold assessment and use advanced techniques like thermal imaging to locate moisture and EPA-registered antimicrobials to safely remediate the area. For immediate assistance, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a survey.