Is landlord responsible for mold causing tenant's cough?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is typically responsible for addressing the underlying cause of the mold, which is the persistent dampness in the wall. This is considered a structural maintenance issue. As a tenant, you are responsible for general upkeep and reporting the issue in a timely manner, which you have done by identifying it.

The first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photographs of the mold and the damp wall. Mention the health symptoms and the constant operation of your dehumidifier. This creates a necessary paper trail. They are obligated to investigate and fix the source of the moisture, likely a leak or inadequate insulation.

While they address the cause, do not attempt to clean significant black mold yourself. Disturbing it can release a high concentration of spores. For a case involving health symptoms and a persistently damp wall, a professional inspection is strongly advised to identify the exact species and the full extent of the growth, which may be inside the wall cavity. This assessment can provide crucial evidence for your landlord and guide the proper remediation process, which involves fixing the moisture source, then safely removing the contaminated materials.

The Dubai climate, with its high humidity and year-round AC use, creates perfect conditions for mold when a hidden leak is present, as the cool walls encourage condensation. Keep the area ventilated and continue using the dehumidifier as a temporary measure until the landlord initiates repairs.