Who is responsible for mold and health issues in rental?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is generally responsible for the structural integrity of the property and addressing issues arising from inherent building defects or faulty installations. This includes leaks in central AC systems or hidden pipes within walls that cause persistent dampness and mold growth. The tenant is responsible for damage caused by their own negligence, like failing to ventilate a room or spilling water and not drying it.

Your situation points to a structural cause. Running the AC constantly in our climate can actually contribute to the problem if the unit is not properly draining condensation or if there is a leak in the chilled water pipe running inside the wall. The humidity here forces this moisture into porous materials like drywall, creating an ideal environment for mold. The pattern of it worsening behind a large piece of furniture, which restricts airflow, is a classic sign.

For any health symptoms, especially involving a young child, a professional inspection is strongly advised to identify the mold species and the moisture source. A certified inspector can determine the root cause with tools like moisture meters and thermal cameras. This report is your key evidence. If the inspector finds the issue is due to a building fault or faulty AC installation, you must formally notify the landlord in writing (via registered email or Dubai's REST app) and request remediation. They are obligated to fix it. If they refuse, you can file a case with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai, presenting the professional inspection report as evidence of a breach of their maintenance obligations.