can black mold break my dubai apartment lease?« Back to Previous Page

Discovering black mold behind furniture due to an AC leak is a serious health and habitability concern, especially for children. For kids, prolonged exposure can significantly worsen respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies, leading to that persistent coughing and congestion. It can also cause chronic sinusitis and skin or eye irritation.

Regarding your lease, the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007) mandates landlords must provide a habitable property that is safe and well-maintained. A significant mold infestation stemming from a building issue like an AC leak typically qualifies as a breach of this obligation. You should first formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photos, and request immediate, professional remediation. They are generally responsible for fixing the source of the problem (the leak) and the resulting damage.

If they fail to address it within a reasonable timeframe, you can file a complaint with the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center (RDC). In many cases, if the property is proven uninhabitable, the RDC may rule that you can break the lease. Do not stop paying rent without an official ruling, as this could put you in breach. For your family's health, consider a professional indoor environmental assessment to document the mold species and concentration, as this provides concrete evidence of the habitability issue. In the humid Dubai climate, where AC systems run year-round, leaks and condensation are common causes of such hidden mold growth.