Is landlord responsible for mold and toddler's cough?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai's rental law, the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes fixing leaks in the building envelope that lead to dampness and mold. The persistent dampness behind your wardrobe suggests a potential leak or inadequate ventilation, which falls under their obligation.

However, responsibility can become shared if the tenant's actions contributed to the issue, such as a failure to report a pre-existing leak or using appliances that generate excessive indoor humidity without proper ventilation. Since you've just discovered it, document everything immediately with dated photos and videos. Send a formal written notification to the landlord or property management company, citing the damp condition and requesting urgent remediation. For health concerns, a professional inspection is critical to identify the mold species and its source. The humid Dubai climate, especially with year-round AC use that can create condensation, makes hidden mold a common issue. A lab test can confirm the type of mold present, which is necessary to understand any potential health link.

While a direct legal claim for health costs is complex and requires medical proof of causation, your first step is to get your toddler evaluated by a pediatrician and inform them of the mold exposure. The landlord's primary duty is to fix the leak and remediate the mold. The speed and quality of their response to your formal complaint will determine if further action is needed.