Is my landlord responsible for black mold removal?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's because of the black mold growing along the bottom of the walls in their bedroom. I first spotted it a few weeks back after that really humid spell we had, and it's slowly getting worse. I'm in a rented apartment in Jumeirah and my contract says the landlord is responsible for maintenance, but my friends are giving me conflicting advice. Am I supposed to just clean this myself with bleach, or is my landlord legally required to handle a potential health hazard like this?
Posted by Sanjay Gupta
Asked on April 2, 2026 12:12 am
Based on the details you've provided, your landlord is almost certainly responsible for the remediation of this black mold. In Dubai, tenancy contracts are governed by Law No. 26 of 2007, which clearly stipulates that the landlord is responsible for all major maintenance and repairs to the property's structure and core systems, including issues arising from inherent building defects or faulty installations like air conditioning. The persistent high humidity and condensation from year-round AC use are primary catalysts for mold growth, especially if the AC unit is not properly maintained or if there is inadequate ventilation, placing the responsibility for the root cause on the landlord.

The health concerns you raise are valid. The coughing in your children is a classic symptom of exposure to mold spores, particularly from types like Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold), which can produce mycotoxins. Attempting to clean this yourself with bleach is strongly discouraged. Bleach is ineffective on porous surfaces like drywall and can actually aggravate the problem by releasing a higher concentration of spores and toxic fumes into the air, posing a greater health risk. Proper remediation requires professional assessment, containment, and the use of specialized antimicrobial agents.

Your immediate action should be to formally notify your landlord in writing about the issue, citing your health concerns and referencing your tenancy contract. Request immediate professional inspection and remediation. For a confirmed case like this, involving visible growth and health symptoms, a professional assessment is non-negotiable. Our team at Saniservice specializes in mold inspection, testing, and Dubai-mandated remediation protocols. We can provide a certified report detailing the cause and scope, which is powerful documentation for your landlord.

Do not delay due to the health risk. For a professional inspection and to get the documentation you need, call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 3, 2026 4:00 pm