How do I get landlord to fix dangerous mold properly?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in our Discovery Gardens apartment for about a year, and ever since the humidity spiked a few weeks ago, a black, speckled mold has started growing along the corner where the wall meets the ceiling in my daughter's bedroom. She's had a persistent cough for the last ten days that just won't go away, and I'm really worried it's connected. What's the most effective way to get our landlord to take this seriously and send a professional to properly remediate it, not just paint over it?
Posted by Ashok Nair
Asked on March 30, 2026 5:52 am
Based on your description, this is a serious indoor air quality issue that requires immediate professional attention. The black, speckled mold is likely Stachybotrys chartarum or another toxigenic species, which is strongly correlated with the respiratory symptoms you're describing in your daughter.

Under UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, your landlord is legally obligated to maintain the property in a habitable condition, which includes addressing health hazards like pervasive mold growth resulting from building envelope issues or latent defects. The recent humidity spike is a common trigger here in Dubai, but the underlying cause is likely inadequate insulation or a minor leak in the AC ducting common in Discovery Gardens apartments, making it the property owner's responsibility.

Do not attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing it will aerosolize the spores and exacerbate the health risks. Your first step is to formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best for a paper trail), detailing the issue, the health impact, and explicitly requesting a professional mold inspection and remediation, not a cosmetic cover-up. Mentioning your knowledge of your legal rights can often expedite a response.

Given the potential toxicity and your daughter's health, we strongly recommend you seek an independent assessment. A certified inspector will conduct air and surface sampling to identify the species and concentration, providing a legally defensible report you can present to the landlord. This data is critical to ensure the remediation is performed to IICRC S520 standards, which involves containment, HEPA filtration, and proper removal, not just painting over it.

If the landlord remains unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. For a certified inspection and a detailed report, you can call our team at 800-MOLDS or 800-66537, or email hello@saniservice.com. Your family's health is paramount.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 1, 2026 9:11 am