Is landlord responsible for black mold in Dubai apartment?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing more than usual and I just found patches of black mold behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment. We noticed the wall always felt a bit damp, especially since the humidity really kicked in a couple of months ago, but we didn't think much of it. Is the landlord legally required to handle this and the potential health issues, or is it considered our fault for not ventilating the room properly?
Posted by Youssef Al-Zahrani
Asked on March 23, 2026 11:40 pm
In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is typically determined by the cause of the moisture, as outlined in Law No. 26 of 2007, known as the Dubai Rental Law. The landlord is legally obligated to provide a habitable property and is responsible for rectifying any structural or maintenance-related defects that lead to mold growth. This includes issues like leaking pipes, faulty waterproofing, or cracks in the building envelope that allow moisture ingress.

However, the tenant is responsible for damages resulting from misuse or negligence. In a high-humidity climate like Dubai's, where condensation is a year-round issue exacerbated by constant AC use, the argument often centers on adequate ventilation. While the landlord must fix the structural dampness behind the wardrobe, a tenant is expected to mitigate humidity through proper use of exhaust fans and periodic AC maintenance to remove excess moisture from the air.

Given the presence of black mold and associated health symptoms like coughing, this is a serious case that requires immediate professional attention. Black mold (likely Stachybotrys chartarum) can produce mycotoxins and is a known respiratory irritant. We strongly recommend a certified mold inspection to identify the exact species and the full extent of the contamination, including air quality testing for spore counts. This professional report is crucial evidence for formally notifying your landlord of their responsibility.

For immediate assessment and to safeguard your family's health, please contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We provide comprehensive PCR-based mold testing and CDC-compliant remediation protocols to resolve the issue safely and permanently.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 26, 2026 6:18 am