Is landlord responsible for black mold health costs?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended), the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the property's structure and ensuring it is habitable, which includes addressing issues like persistent dampness and mold that originate from building defects. This could be a leaking pipe in the wall, faulty external waterproofing, or inadequate insulation causing condensation.

Your responsibility as a tenant typically involves routine cleaning, maintaining adequate ventilation, and promptly reporting any issues you discover. Since you've lived there two years and just noticed it, the argument could be made that the underlying cause is a latent defect. The recent humidity spike is a key factor; Dubai's climate forces AC systems to work hard, and if the unit is undersized or the room is poorly sealed, condensation inside walls is common.

For health-related costs, establishing direct liability is extremely difficult. You would need a verified lab report confirming the mold type (like Stachybotrys, which is less common than Cladosporium or Aspergillus) and a medical doctor's report explicitly linking the children's cough to that specific mold exposure. This is a high bar to meet.

Immediately notify your landlord in writing with clear photos, as this starts the legal clock for them to respond. For remediation, do not attempt to remove significant black mold yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize spores. A professional inspection can identify the moisture source—this is critical. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. In the interim, improve airflow in the room, keep the AC on to reduce humidity, and consider using a dehumidifier.