Is my landlord required to fix black mold urgently?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are obligated to conduct major maintenance and repairs that affect the health and safety of the tenant or the property's infrastructure. A damp wall with active mold growth typically qualifies as a structural moisture issue, which is the landlord's responsibility to rectify at its source.

You should formally notify your landlord in writing about the damp wall and mold, as this is a habitability and structural concern, not just cosmetic. For immediate health concerns with children, document the issue with clear photos and a dated written notice. The landlord is generally required to address the underlying cause—such as a leak or insulation failure—promptly. The actual mold remediation of the surface may fall to you, but the root cause is their legal duty to fix.

Given the symptoms and the hidden nature of the growth behind furniture, a professional inspection is strongly recommended to assess the full extent. In Dubai's climate, high humidity and AC use can cause condensation within walls, leading to mold that isn't always visible. An inspection can identify the moisture source and scope of growth, which provides necessary evidence for your landlord and ensures the remediation addresses the root cause, not just the visible spots.