Is landlord responsible for black mold causing cough?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's from the black mold I just found spreading along the bottom of the bedroom wall in our apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle. We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed it after the humidity spiked last month. Is this something I need to fix myself with bleach, or is the landlord required to handle a health hazard like this?
Posted by Junho Kimura
Asked on March 29, 2026 8:05 am
The presence of black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) in your JVC apartment is a serious health and environmental concern, especially given the recent humidity spike and your children's respiratory symptoms. The UAE's high humidity, combined with year-round AC use, creates a perfect environment for mold growth due to condensation within wall cavities.

Under Dubai's rental laws, specifically Law No. 26 of 2007 and its amendments, the landlord is legally obligated to maintain the property's structural integrity and ensure it is habitable. A mold infestation of this nature, which is likely stemming from a hidden moisture source like a leaking pipe or inadequate insulation, constitutes a breach of this obligation. It is a health hazard that the landlord is required to rectify. Do not attempt remediation with bleach, as this is a superficial fix that will not address the underlying moisture problem and can release harmful mycotoxins into the air, potentially worsening the cough.

You must formally notify your landlord in writing of the issue, citing it as a health hazard affecting your family's well-being. Request immediate professional inspection and remediation. For a case involving health symptoms and visible spread, a certified mold inspection is critical. We at Saniservice perform a comprehensive assessment, including moisture mapping and air quality testing, to identify the root cause and full extent of contamination, providing a report that can be used to ensure the landlord completes the repairs properly.

For immediate assistance with inspection and certified remediation to safeguard your family's health, please call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 31, 2026 11:00 am