Black mold in apartment: health risk and landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Based on your description, the black mold in your Jumeirah Village Circle apartment is highly likely to be the cause of the respiratory symptoms you and your toddler are experiencing. Stachybotrys chartarum, commonly referred to as "black mold," is a toxigenic species known to produce mycotoxins that can cause persistent headaches, sinus congestion, coughing, and other allergic reactions, particularly in vulnerable individuals like young children.

In the UAE's climate, this is a prevalent issue. Year-round air conditioning creates significant temperature differentials between cooled indoor air and the external environment, leading to condensation within wall cavities, especially in poorly insulated areas like external corners of closets. This moisture, combined with Dubai's high ambient humidity, provides the perfect conditions for aggressive mold colonization.

Regarding responsibility, the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007) typically places the obligation for structural and major maintenance issues on the landlord. This includes problems arising from inherent building defects, such as faulty external waterproofing, leaking central AC condensation lines, or inadequate insulation that leads to condensation—which is the root cause of your mold growth. You, as the tenant, are generally responsible for maintenance resulting from daily use. However, given the scale ("huge patch") and location (behind clothes, suggesting a wall issue), this is almost certainly a structural moisture problem falling under the landlord's purview. You must notify them in writing immediately.

We strongly advise against attempting remediation yourself, as disturbing toxigenic mold can aerosolize spores and significantly worsen contamination. A professional inspection is critical to identify the precise moisture source, assess the extent of contamination within the wall cavity, and perform safe, certified remediation.

For immediate assistance with inspection, testing, and landlord liaison, we recommend contacting Saniservice. Their certified experts can provide a definitive report on the cause and scope, which is often necessary to formally engage your landlord. You can reach them at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or hello@saniservice.com.