Landlord or tenant: Who fixes apartment humidity causing cough?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the symptoms you describe – persistent cough, dampness, and a mildew odor in Jumeirah Village Triangle – this is a classic case of elevated relative humidity, a significant issue in our coastal climate. The cold, clammy walls indicate the surface temperature is likely below the dew point, causing condensation and creating a perfect environment for mold growth, which is a primary irritant for respiratory issues.

Regarding responsibility, this is typically a landlord/maintenance issue. The AC system is the primary dehumidification appliance in UAE apartments. If it's running constantly but not effectively removing moisture, the fault likely lies with the system itself. Potential causes include an undersized unit, low refrigerant charge, a clogged drain pan, or a malfunctioning compressor that isn't achieving a sufficiently cold coil temperature to condense water vapor from the air.

While you could purchase a portable dehumidifier, this is a temporary, symptomatic fix that adds to your electricity costs and doesn't address the root cause: a faulty central AC system. The landlord is generally obligated under the implied warranty of habitability to provide a property fit for human habitation, which includes a functional climate control system.

For a definitive assessment and to protect your family's health, I strongly recommend a professional indoor environmental quality inspection. We can conduct surface and air sampling to identify specific mold species and measure precise humidity levels. This data is crucial for formally requesting remediation from your landlord.

Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an assessment. Let's identify the source and get your home back to a healthy state.