Is this black mold and landlord's responsibility in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

What you're describing, especially in Dubai's climate, is very likely mold caused by condensation. The black spots are often a mix of species, and only lab analysis can confirm if it's the notorious Stachybotrys ("black mold"). The damp feeling despite AC running is a key clue—your unit may be undersized, poorly insulated, or set at a temperature causing significant temperature differentials with the humid outdoor air, leading to condensation on cold surfaces like that outer wall.

Your son's sneezing is a common reaction to mold spores, as they are irritants. For children and those with respiratory sensitivities, reducing exposure is important.

Regarding responsibility, your landlord is typically obligated to address this. The Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007) generally holds the property owner responsible for structural repairs and issues affecting the habitability of the property. A mold problem stemming from a construction issue like inadequate insulation, a leaking pipe in the wall, or faulty external waterproofing is their duty to fix. Your responsibility as a tenant is to report the issue in writing immediately and to properly ventilate the home.

Start by formally notifying your landlord or property manager with clear photos. They should send a technician to identify the moisture source. Merely cleaning the visible mold is ineffective if the underlying dampness isn't resolved. For health concerns and to verify the root cause, a professional inspection with moisture mapping and air/surface sampling can be definitive. This provides concrete evidence of the species and moisture levels, which is useful if discussions with the landlord become difficult.