Can health issues from mold break my lease in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

Persistent health issues like your husband's are a strong indicator that the mold in your apartment requires immediate attention. In Dubai's humid climate, the constant cooling from your AC creates significant condensation, which is likely the moisture source enabling this growth behind the wardrobe.

Under Dubai's rental regulations (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are generally responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity and ensuring it is habitable. A significant mold infestation, especially one causing documented health problems, can be argued to breach the implied warranty of habitability. For a case to break a lease, you would typically need to demonstrate that the landlord has been notified and has failed to take adequate remedial action within a reasonable time.

Your first step is to formally notify your building management or landlord in writing, detailing the issue and including photos of the mold. Given the health symptoms, it is highly advisable to get a professional indoor environmental assessment. This will identify the mold species and the exact moisture source, providing a scientific report that strengthens your position. Without this evidence, it can be difficult to prove the mold is the direct cause of the health issues.

Do not attempt to clean a persistent patch yourself, as this can aerosolize spores and worsen the problem. The remediation process must address the root cause—likely poor insulation or a condensation issue on that cold wall—not just the visible growth. If management is unresponsive after formal notification and you have a professional report, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. They will assess whether the issue constitutes a fundamental breach of your lease agreement.