Is landlord responsible for mold and health issues in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and its core systems, which includes the air conditioning unit and any leaks originating from it. Since the mold growth is a direct result of a chronic AC leak, the remediation of both the leak and the resulting mold is typically the landlord's legal obligation.

You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately. Include clear photographs of the mold and the leaking AC unit. The law requires landlords to address such maintenance issues promptly once notified. If they are unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai.

For your family's health, the persistent cough is a common reaction to prolonged mold spore exposure, especially in children. While the landlord handles the source, you should focus on immediate indoor air quality. Running a dehumidifier in the room can help reduce ambient moisture. Avoid disturbing the mold yourself, as this can aerosolize spores. A professional indoor environmental assessment, including air and surface sampling, can document the specific types and concentrations of mold present, which is valuable for both health context and any potential dispute with the landlord. In Dubai's climate, where AC runs year-round and humidity is high, a small leak can quickly create a major mold problem that requires professional remediation to resolve correctly.