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

Under Dubai law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes addressing issues like water leaks or seepage that lead to mold growth. If the mold behind your wardrobe is a result of a building envelope leak, faulty plumbing, or inadequate waterproofing, the remediation cost falls on the landlord.

However, the responsibility can shift to the tenant if the cause is determined to be your specific usage, such as inadequate ventilation leading to excessive condensation, water spills, or blocking AC vents with furniture. The humid Dubai climate, combined with year-round AC use, creates perfect conditions for condensation and mold if air circulation is poor.

Given the location in a Marina apartment and the spread of black mold, a professional inspection is critical to identify the exact moisture source. This report will be the key evidence in any discussion with your landlord or the Dubai Rental Dispute Center. Document everything with photos and dates.

For your husband's worsened allergies, remediation is urgent. While pursuing the landlord issue, you may need to arrange for professional cleaning to protect health. Keep all receipts, but be aware that recouping personal health costs is more complex and would likely require a direct medical report linking his condition to the specific mold in the property. Start with a formal, written notification to your landlord or property manager, including your findings and requesting an immediate inspection.