Is my landlord responsible for mold causing my kids' cough?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's from the black spots I just found behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom. We've been in this Silicon Oasis apartment for over a year, and it's been fine until the humidity really spiked a few weeks ago. I wiped it down with vinegar but it's already coming back. Is the landlord responsible for fixing this, or do I have to pay for the treatment myself?
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Based on the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes addressing issues like persistent dampness and water leaks that lead to mold. The recent humidity spike you mentioned is a key factor; while the climate contributes, the underlying cause is likely a pre-existing ventilation issue or a hidden leak behind that wall, which constitutes a maintenance defect.
However, the immediate action you took (wiping with vinegar) is a common but insufficient DIY fix. Vinegar only removes surface mold and does not address the root moisture source or the hyphal roots embedded in the material. The rapid regrowth confirms the problem is active and pervasive. For your children's health and to establish liability, you must get a professional inspection. A certified mold assessor will conduct air and surface sampling to identify the spore types and concentration levels (like Aspergillus or Stachybotrys, which are common here and can cause respiratory issues). This detailed report is crucial evidence to formally request remediation from your landlord. If they refuse, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai, but you need that professional documentation first. Do not delay, as this is a health risk. For immediate testing and a definitive report, call our team at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We can provide the evidence you need to resolve this with your landlord properly. |
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