Is black mold in my Dubai rental my responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the symptoms you've described and the presence of black mold, this is a serious health and safety issue that requires immediate attention. The coughing at night is a classic symptom of mold exposure, particularly in children who are more susceptible.

In Dubai, the responsibility for mold remediation is typically dictated by the rental contract and the cause of the moisture. The year-round AC use and high humidity are major contributing factors. If the mold growth is a result of a structural issue, such as a leak in the building's plumbing, a faulty AC drainage system within the walls, or inadequate insulation leading to condensation (a common problem here), then the financial responsibility for the repairs falls on the landlord. However, if the moisture issue is due to tenant-related activities (e.g., lack of ventilation, drying clothes indoors), the tenant may be liable.

Your first step is to formally report the issue in writing to your landlord or property management company. Under Dubai's rental laws, the landlord is obligated to provide a habitable property and address issues that affect livability. Do not attempt to clean significant black mold yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize toxic spores and worsen the health impact and contamination.

We strongly recommend a professional inspection. Our certified experts can conduct a thorough assessment to identify the exact species of mold (crucial for understanding health risks) and use moisture meters and thermal imaging to pinpoint the precise source of the water intrusion. This objective report is invaluable for determining liability and ensuring the remediation is done correctly.

For immediate advice and to schedule a comprehensive inspection, please call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Saniservice specializes in resolving these exact moisture and mold issues common to the Dubai climate.