Who is responsible for fixing mold in a rental apartment?« Back to Previous Page

As a certified indoor environmental quality consultant here in Dubai, this is a very common issue we see, especially in areas like JVC where humidity is a constant battle.

Under UAE law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai, the property owner is fundamentally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity and habitability of the property. This includes addressing latent defects and issues with the building envelope or HVAC system that lead to persistent dampness and mold growth. Since you are running the AC, it indicates the issue is likely not due to tenant negligence but potentially a fault like poor insulation, a leaking pipe, or an improperly balanced AC system that fails to manage humidity effectively in that specific area.

Your husband's symptoms—morning stuffiness and itchy eyes that resolve when he leaves the apartment—are classic indicators of exposure to mold spores and poor indoor air quality.

The first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the problem, detailing the symptoms and the specific location. They are obligated to investigate. For a proper assessment, we always recommend a professional inspection. Our teams use thermal imaging to find moisture intrusion and air sampling to identify spore types and concentrations, which is crucial for an effective remediation plan. Trying to clean it superficially often just disperses the spores and doesn't solve the moisture source.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can escalate to the Rental Dispute Center (RDC). For immediate professional guidance or to schedule an inspection, you can call our team at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com.