Who is responsible for mold removal and health assessment?« Back to Previous Page

Responsibility for mold removal and health assessment in Dubai rentals depends on the cause. The landlord is responsible for fixing structural issues like leaking pipes, faulty AC drainage, or water seepage through walls that caused the dampness. As the tenant, you are typically responsible for issues stemming from daily living, like inadequate ventilation leading to condensation.

Given the description—hidden mold behind a wardrobe, damp clothes, and a persistent cough—this strongly suggests a humidity or condensation issue, which is extremely common in Dubai's climate. Year-round AC use can create cold surfaces where moisture condenses, especially behind furniture placed against external walls. This trapped moisture is a primary cause of mold.

Your immediate step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photos. They should send a maintenance team to identify and repair the source of the moisture. Do not attempt to remove the mold yourself, as disturbing it can release a high concentration of spores and worsen your family's symptoms, particularly for children.

For a health assessment, a professional indoor environmental inspector can identify the mold species through air and surface sampling, which is analyzed in a microbiology lab. This determines the specific risk level. The landlord's responsibility typically covers the structural repair and the physical removal of the mold growth. The cost of an independent health assessment to verify the air quality is safe post-remediation may be a point of negotiation, but it is highly recommended for your peace of mind, especially with ongoing health symptoms.