Is landlord responsible for mold remediation and medical costs?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and addressing issues arising from inherent building faults, like a leaking AC condensation line. As tenants, you are responsible for reporting maintenance issues promptly and for any damage caused by your own negligence.

Since the mold is likely from a hidden AC leak, this is typically the landlord's responsibility to repair. However, the associated costs for mold remediation and medical bills are more complex. You must establish a direct causal link between the landlord's failure to act and the health issue. Document everything: take clear photos of the mold, report the leak to the landlord in writing (email is best for a paper trail), and keep all medical reports and receipts that explicitly link the cough to the mold exposure.

For a case of this size and with health symptoms, a professional inspection is critical. An independent, certified mold assessment can identify the species and source, providing the evidence needed to formally request remediation from the landlord. In Dubai's humid climate, mold can spread quickly behind walls from a slow leak, so prompt action is essential. While the landlord should cover the leak repair and remediation, recovering medical costs usually requires proving they were aware of the hazardous condition and failed to address it in a reasonable timeframe. Start with a formal written notification to them immediately.