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

This is a serious health and habitability issue, and in most cases, your landlord is responsible for the remediation. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord must maintain the property to ensure it is habitable. A significant mold infestation caused by a structural issue—like a hidden water leak in the wall, faulty external waterproofing, or rising damp—falls squarely under their obligation to repair.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos of the mold. Explicitly state that your children are experiencing respiratory symptoms and that you believe the mold is due to a structural defect requiring repair. They should arrange for a professional inspection to identify and fix the moisture source; simply wiping the mold away is useless if the leak remains.

Given the extent you've described and the health symptoms, a professional assessment is critical. In Dubai's climate, the constant AC use can create condensation issues, and internal walls in buildings like those in Discovery Gardens can develop leaks from pipe chases or faulty seals. A proper inspection will use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the leak's origin. The remediation itself must include fixing the water problem, removing contaminated materials like the skirting board and possibly drywall, and HEPA vacuuming—not just surface cleaning.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. For your children's health, you may need to proceed with an independent inspection to document the cause and extent, which provides strong evidence for any dispute. Look for a provider that offers detailed lab identification and a clear protocol for remediation, not just a basic cleaning service.