Is black mold behind curtain an emergency for landlord?« Back to Previous Page

Black mold growth is a health and habitability issue that warrants prompt attention from your landlord. While not always a medical emergency, it becomes urgent with existing respiratory symptoms like your children's persistent cough. In Dubai's humid climate, this mold will not resolve on its own and will likely worsen, especially behind curtains where condensation traps moisture.

Under Dubai rental law (RERA), landlords are responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity and ensuring it is fit for habitation. This includes resolving issues like dampness and mold resulting from building envelope defects, such as leaking pipes, faulty seals, or inadequate insulation that causes condensation. You should notify your landlord in writing immediately, detailing the issue and its suspected impact on health. Include clear photographs. This creates a formal record of your request for urgent remediation.

Given the symptoms, waiting a few days for general maintenance is not advisable. Standard handymen often just wipe the visible mold away without addressing the moisture source or ensuring safe spore removal, leading to quick regrowth. For a proper fix, you need a professional inspection to identify the exact moisture source—be it a leak or condensation from AC supply lines—and a remediation plan that includes containment, safe removal, and drying. A microbiology lab test can confirm the mold type, which is valuable information for both you and the landlord to understand the health risk. Keep all communication documented; if the landlord is unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Center (RDC).