Who is responsible for mold in a UAE rental?« Back to Previous Page
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We've lived in our Jumeirah apartment for 2 years and just noticed a large patch of black mold behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom, which must have been growing for ages. My husband has developed a persistent cough that seems to get worse at night. Our landlord is saying it's our fault for not ventilating properly, but the room has no windows. Who is legally responsible for the mold remediation and the associated health concerns here in the UAE?
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Under UAE rental law, the landlord is typically responsible for remedying structural issues that lead to mold, such as water leaks, faulty insulation, or inadequate ventilation. A bedroom with no windows is a significant ventilation defect that falls under the landlord's responsibility to provide a habitable property. Your husband's persistent nighttime cough is a common reaction to prolonged exposure to mold spores and should be taken seriously.
The high humidity in Dubai, combined with a room lacking airflow, creates a perfect environment for mold growth, even with AC use. You should formally notify your landlord in writing about the issue, mentioning the health symptoms and the lack of ventilation. Request immediate, professional mold remediation. If the landlord refuses to act, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center (RDSC) in Dubai. For a case this strong, documenting the issue is key. A professional inspection and lab report identifying the mold species can provide concrete evidence that the cause is structural, not merely lifestyle-related, which is crucial for the RDSC. |
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