is landlord responsible for bedroom mold causing illness« Back to Previous Page
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We've lived in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for 2 years and just noticed a patch of black mold spreading in the corner of our master bedroom closet, behind the clothes. It must have been growing slowly for ages. My husband has been waking up with a stuffy nose and headaches for months, and I'm starting to worry it's connected. As tenants, are we responsible for dealing with this and the potential health impact, or is this something our landlord has to fix?
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Under Dubai law, the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes addressing the source of moisture that led to the mold growth. Since this is in a closet and likely due to a hidden leak or condensation from an AC unit, it falls under their obligation. Your responsibility as a tenant is typically to report the issue promptly and maintain good ventilation.
The persistent stuffy nose and headaches you describe are common reactions to prolonged mold exposure, especially in a climate like Dubai's where high humidity and constant AC use can create ideal conditions for hidden growth. Document everything: take clear photos of the mold, note the timeline of your husband's symptoms, and formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing. Keep a copy for your records. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this will only temporarily remove the visible stain and not address the root moisture problem or the deeper mycotoxins. The landlord should arrange for a professional inspection to identify the exact moisture source—often a leaking pipe, faulty seal, or AC condensation drain issue—and perform proper remediation. For health verification, a post-remediation clearance test from an independent lab is advisable to confirm the environment is safe. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center. |
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