Is landlord required to fix dangerous bedroom mold urgently?« Back to Previous Page

Our master bedroom in Jumeirah Park has had a really damp, earthy smell ever since the heavy humidity a couple of weeks ago. I finally moved the wardrobe today and found a patch of black and green mold, about the size of a dinner plate, on the wall behind it. My wife has been waking up with a stuffy nose and I'm worried it's making us sick. How urgently do we need to get a professional mold remediation company in, and is this something our landlord is legally required to handle immediately?
Posted by Mansoor Al-Ahmad
Asked on April 14, 2026 2:35 am
Yes, your landlord is generally required to fix this. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords must maintain the property to ensure it is habitable, which includes addressing structural defects that lead to health hazards like mold. A hidden mold patch of that size, coupled with your wife's symptoms, constitutes a legitimate habitability concern.

Given the current symptoms and the size of the infestation, this requires professional assessment within days, not weeks. The persistent high humidity we've had creates ideal conditions for rapid mold growth inside walls. A patch that size visible on the surface often indicates a more extensive problem within the wall cavity, especially in buildings where condensation can accumulate behind poorly insulated AC chillers.

Formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best) with clear photos of the mold and a description of the health symptoms. Request immediate action for a professional mold inspection to determine the source—often a hidden water leak or severe condensation—and subsequent remediation. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this can aerosolize spores and worsen air quality, and it will not address the underlying moisture source.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can escalate the matter by filing a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. For your health and safety, it is advisable to get a professional evaluation to document the extent of the problem and the required remediation steps.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 14, 2026 9:31 pm