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

Under the Tenancy Law in Dubai (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. This includes addressing the root cause of the mold, such as fixing a leaking pipe, faulty waterproofing, or a crack in the external wall that is allowing moisture ingress.

The dampness on the wall strongly suggests a structural moisture issue, not just surface condensation. You should formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best) with clear photos of the black spots and the damp wall, and mention the associated health symptoms. They are typically obligated to investigate and rectify the source of the water problem.

For the inspection itself, the responsibility to pay for it can be less clear-cut and often depends on what is discovered. The landlord should address the cause, but if the inspection is to specifically investigate your health concern, you may need to arrange it. However, presenting the landlord with a professional report can be necessary to compel action.

Given the symptoms and visible dampness, a professional inspection is advisable. They will use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the water source and take air/surface samples for a lab culture to identify the mold type. This data is critical, as it confirms the severity and directly links the property condition to the problem, which strengthens your case with the landlord. In Dubai's humid climate, AC units can sometimes spread spores from a hidden colony, so identifying the source is the first step.