Is landlord responsible for black mold cleanup and health checks?« Back to Previous Page

The landlord is responsible for addressing the source of the mold, which is the underlying moisture issue. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords must maintain the property in a habitable condition, and a persistent moisture leak qualifies as a structural defect they must fix. This includes repairing any leaks in the building envelope or faulty AC drainage that caused the humidity behind your wardrobe.

The cleanup responsibility is less clear-cut and often depends on the tenancy contract. However, since the mold resulted from a building issue and not tenant negligence (like not using AC), the landlord is typically responsible for the remediation as well. Health checks, however, are almost always the tenant's personal responsibility.

Given the symptoms and the visible growth, this is a case for professional assessment. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this can aerosolize spores and worsen the air quality. The recent humidity spike is a classic trigger here; our climate means AC systems work hard and can create condensation issues if not perfectly maintained.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord in writing about the mold and your children's symptoms, requesting immediate repair of the moisture source and proper mold remediation. For legal clarity, you can reference the Dubai Municipality's standards for healthy housing. A certified mold inspector can identify the species and moisture source, providing a report that strengthens your case with the landlord. This documented proof of a health hazard is crucial.