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

Under Dubai rental law, landlords are generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity and habitability of the property. This includes addressing leaks and moisture intrusion that lead to mold growth, as these are considered maintenance issues. The responsibility for health-related consequences is less direct, but the source of the problem—the moisture—is typically the landlord's duty to fix.

You should formally notify your landlord in writing about the mold and your children's symptoms, as this creates a paper trail. Include clear photos showing the extent and location. The landlord is then obligated to investigate and repair the source of the moisture, such as a leak in the roof or walls, faulty insulation causing condensation, or a compromised AC drain line. The high humidity here accelerates mold growth from any small, persistent dampness.

While the landlord handles the root cause, the cleanup of the existing mold may fall to you if it resulted from tenant activities (like blocking ventilation with storage boxes). However, given the health symptoms and the fact it's on the ceiling (a building structure), the landlord should coordinate the proper remediation.

For a case with health symptoms, a professional inspection is advised to identify the mold species and the exact moisture source. DIY cleaning often fails if the water issue isn't solved. A certified inspector can provide a report detailing the cause and required fixes, which is powerful documentation if the landlord is unresponsive. In persistent cases, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai.