Is my landlord responsible for toddler's room mold?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in our Jumeirah apartment for 2 years and just noticed a patch of black, fuzzy mold spreading from the corner of the bedroom ceiling, right where the wall meets. It got much worse after the heavy dew last week. My toddler sleeps in that room and has had a runny nose for days. Is this something I need to fix myself with bleach, or is the building owner responsible for repairing what seems like a leak from upstairs?
Posted by Deepak Mukherjee
Asked on April 4, 2026 8:00 am
Yes, your landlord is almost certainly responsible for the mold in your toddler's room, as it appears to be caused by a structural leak from upstairs. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are obligated to maintain the property's structure and ensure it is habitable. This includes fixing leaks in the roof, external walls, and plumbing that lead to mold growth.

Given your location in Jumeirah and the timing after heavy dew, this is a classic case of moisture intrusion from outside. Using bleach yourself is a temporary fix that will not address the root cause—the ongoing water leak. The mold will return until the source is repaired. For a toddler with respiratory symptoms, a professional inspection is recommended to assess the full extent and type of mold, as some species can exacerbate allergies.

First, notify your landlord in writing (email is best) with clear photos, detailing the issue and your toddler's health concern. Request immediate repairs to the leak and professional mold remediation. If they are unresponsive, you can file a formal complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. For immediate action, a certified indoor health specialist can document the source and extent of the problem with moisture meters and lab analysis, providing a report you can use to substantiate your claim with the landlord.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 7, 2026 2:12 am