Is landlord responsible for bathroom mold making kids sick?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai's rental law, the landlord is typically responsible for addressing structural issues that cause mold, such as leaks in pipes, faulty waterproofing, or inadequate ventilation. As a tenant, you are generally responsible for the day-to-day cleaning and maintenance of the property. The recent high humidity can accelerate growth from an underlying moisture issue.

For health concerns, a professional inspection is key to determine the source. The black discoloration is often Cladosporium or Aspergillus, which thrive in humid bathrooms and can cause respiratory irritation and coughing. Document the mold's spread with photos and formally notify your landlord in writing, citing the potential health impact on your children. Request they investigate and rectify the root cause.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center (RDSC) in Dubai. They will assess whether the issue is due to a structural defect (landlord's duty) or lack of maintenance (tenant's duty). Given the symptoms, do not attempt to clean extensive mold yourself, as improper scrubbing can aerosolize spores. A certified mold inspection can identify the species and moisture source, which provides concrete evidence for your landlord and guides proper remediation.