Who is responsible for hidden mold, landlord or tenant?« Back to Previous Page

Based on UAE Civil Code and the standard Dubai rental contract (Ejari), the landlord is unequivocally responsible for maintaining the property's structure and ensuring it is habitable. This includes addressing issues like water leaks and the resultant hidden mold, which are considered structural defects affecting your right to a safe living environment.

The dampness you describe behind the sofa is a major red flag. That persistent moisture is the root cause, and simply wiping away the visible speckles is a temporary, ineffective fix. The mold will return until the source of the water intrusion is identified and repaired. In Deira, this is often due to leaking pipes within the walls, faulty AC drainage, or external seepage from the building envelope, especially in older buildings.

You must formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best for a paper trail) of the issue, describing the damp wall and suspected mold, and request immediate investigation and remediation. If they refuse or dismiss it, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. They typically side with tenants in cases of proven habitability issues.

However, given the health symptoms your children are experiencing—persistent coughing is a classic sign of mold exposure—I strongly recommend a professional indoor environmental inspection. A certified mold inspector can perform air and surface sampling to identify the spore types and concentration levels, providing a scientific report. This report is crucial evidence for your landlord and, if necessary, for the RDC. Don't risk your family's health with guesswork.

For a thorough investigation and a definitive report, call our specialists at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We can document the issue professionally and provide the evidence you need.