Landlord or mold inspector first for kids' cough?« Back to Previous Page

Given your children's symptoms, the damp wall, and the visible spread, the priority is professional inspection and remediation. The dampness suggests an ongoing moisture source, and the black patch requires identification—it could be Stachybotrys (toxic black mold) or another allergenic species. In Dubai's high humidity, mold behind furniture is common due to condensation from AC units on exterior walls and lack of air circulation.

Contact your landlord immediately. Under Dubai rental law (RERA), landlords are responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity, which includes addressing moisture leaks and resultant mold that affects habitability. Document the mold with photos and note the dampness and your children's health issues in writing. This creates a formal record.

Simultaneously, arrange a professional mold inspection. A proper inspection involves moisture meters to find the water source and air or swab samples sent to a microbiology lab (like ours) to identify the species and spore count. This evidence is crucial—it tells you the health risk and proves to the landlord the severity is beyond a simple clean-up. DIY cleaning with bleach is ineffective and can aerosolize spores, worsening coughs.

For remediation, the moisture source must be fixed first. Then, certified professionals should contain the area, remove contaminated materials, and use HEPA filtration to clean the air. After remediation, a clearance test confirms the air quality is safe. This entire process is what measurably reduces health risks, especially for children.