Is urgent mold remediation required for landlord in Jumeirah?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing for a couple of weeks and I suspect it’s from the black spots I just found behind our bedroom wardrobe, which is on an exterior wall. We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed it when we moved the furniture to rearrange the room; the area feels slightly damp and has a really earthy smell. Given how quickly this seems to have affected the kids' health, how urgent is it that we get a professional remediation team in, and is this something our landlord in Jumeirah is legally required to fix immediately?
Posted by Yuki Tran
Asked on April 22, 2026 10:40 pm
The dampness and smell suggest active growth, which is likely the source of the respiratory irritation your kids are experiencing. The combination of Dubai's high humidity and an exterior wall often leads to condensation, creating the perfect environment for mold behind furniture.

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity and addressing issues that make it uninhabitable. A hidden moisture leak and subsequent mold growth typically fall under their obligation to repair. You should formally notify them in writing immediately, detailing the issue and its suspected impact on health. They are required to address the source of the dampness.

For remediation, this is considered urgent due to the health symptoms. Do not attempt to clean significant black mold yourself, as disturbing it can release a high concentration of spores. A professional inspection can identify the exact moisture source and mold type, which is critical for proper remediation. The process involves containing the area, safely removing the contaminated materials, fixing the water intrusion, and verifying cleanup with post-remediation testing. Your landlord should arrange for a certified team to handle this.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 23, 2026 3:38 am