Is landlord responsible for Dubai villa's mold causing cough?« Back to Previous Page

The landlord is responsible for fixing the moisture problem causing the mold. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord must maintain the property's structure and ensure it is habitable. A persistent damp wall is a structural or building envelope issue, such as a hidden pipe leak or inadequate waterproofing, which falls under their obligation.

Cleaning visible mold with bleach yourself is a temporary fix that often makes it worse by adding moisture. It also doesn't address the root cause, so the mold will return. More importantly, your children's coughing is a significant health indicator that should not be ignored. Certain species of black mold, like Stachybotrys, can produce mycotoxins that are particularly problematic for children and those with respiratory sensitivities.

Document everything: take clear photos of the mold and the damp wall, note all communications with your landlord (preferably in writing like email), and record the dates your children's symptoms began. Send a formal written request to the landlord, citing your concerns for habitability and health. If they remain unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Disputes Center (RDC) in Dubai.

Given the symptoms and the villa's location in humid Al Barsha, a professional inspection is strongly advised to identify the exact moisture source and mold species. This provides concrete evidence of the problem's severity, which strengthens your case with the landlord and ensures the correct remediation method is used to protect your family's health.