Is landlord required to fix urgent mold issue?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, your landlord is legally required to address this. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords must maintain the property in a habitable condition, and structural issues leading to dampness and mold are their responsibility.

Given your description—black spots, a damp wall, and respiratory symptoms in children—this is an urgent health and safety issue. The persistent humidity we have in Dubai, combined with potential AC condensation leaks or building envelope issues, creates a perfect environment for mold. The stuffiness you feel is a classic sign of poor air circulation and microbial growth.

You should formally notify your landlord in writing immediately, detailing the issue and mentioning the health impact on your children. Include clear photographs. They are obligated to investigate and remediate the source of the moisture, not just paint over the mold. If they are unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai.

For a case like this, a professional inspection is strongly advised to identify the exact mold species and the moisture source. Remediation involves fixing the water intrusion first, then properly removing the contaminated materials. DIY cleaning with bleach often fails because it doesn't address the root cause and can aggravate spores into the air. A proper assessment provides the documentation you may need for your landlord or the RDC.