Landlord or tenant responsible for mold cleanup and medical bills?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing for the past few weeks and I’m starting to suspect it’s from a black mold patch I just found behind our bedroom wardrobe. We’ve lived in this Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for over a year, but it was only after the recent humidity that this appeared. Since I’m renting, am I responsible for the cleanup and the doctor's bills, or is this on my landlord?
Posted by Jacob Martin
Asked on April 2, 2026 6:02 pm
Based on your description of the situation, this is a complex issue with both health and tenancy law implications. From a technical standpoint, the mold growth behind the wardrobe is a classic symptom of condensation buildup, a common issue in Dubai due to the high humidity and the constant cycling of air conditioning systems. This trapped, stagnant air creates a perfect microenvironment for mold proliferation, especially on cold surfaces like exterior walls concealed by furniture.

Regarding responsibility under UAE tenancy law, the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity and habitability of the property. This includes addressing issues like water leaks or inadequate ventilation that lead to mold. As the mold is likely due to a building-related moisture issue (condensation on a cold wall), the remediation cost for the cleanup should fall to the landlord. You must formally notify them in writing of the issue to initiate this process.

However, the matter of medical bills is more complicated. To establish a direct legal link between the mold and your children's health issues, a certified professional inspection is absolutely critical. Our inspectors would conduct air and surface sampling to identify the specific genus and concentration of mold present (e.g., Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium, or even Stachybotrys—often called "black mold"). This scientific report is the necessary evidence to correlate the environmental condition with the health symptoms, which would be required for any claim regarding medical expenses.

For your family's health and to properly document the issue for your landlord, I strongly recommend a professional assessment. Please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive indoor air quality inspection. Our certified team can provide the official documentation needed to resolve the liability and remediation questions with your landlord.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 4, 2026 12:37 pm