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

The landlord is typically responsible for resolving the structural cause of the mold, such as a water leak or faulty insulation that leads to condensation. However, the responsibility for personal health expenses and contents damage is less clear-cut and often falls to the tenant.

In Dubai's humid climate, condensation is a common issue, especially in enclosed spaces like closets on exterior walls that are constantly cooled by AC. The first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photos, and request immediate action to find and fix the moisture source. They are obligated to address this under the law as it pertains to the habitability of the property.

For health concerns, establishing a direct legal link between the mold and your husband's sinusitis requires a medical diagnosis and, crucially, proof that the specific mold species present are the cause. This is difficult to prove. A professional inspection with lab testing can identify the mold type and moisture source, creating a documented report for your landlord.

While you wait for a response, move affected items like the shoes out of the closet and clean visible mold from hard surfaces with a microfiber cloth and a solution of detergent and water. Improve air circulation by leaving the closet door open and consider using a compact dehumidifier in the room. For serious, unresolved cases, you can file a complaint with the Rental Disputes Center (RDC) in Dubai.