Is landlord responsible for bedroom mold causing child's cough?« Back to Previous Page
|
We’ve lived in our Jumeirah apartment for two years, but since the humidity spiked this summer, a large patch of black mold has appeared on the bedroom ceiling behind our wardrobe. My youngest has had a persistent cough for the last month that just won't go away, and I'm starting to worry it's connected. Is the landlord legally required to handle this and the potential health issues, or is this on me to fix?
|
|
Under Dubai law, landlords are typically responsible for addressing structural issues that cause mold, such as leaks in the roof, external walls, or the AC system itself. The high humidity and constant AC use in our climate create perfect conditions for condensation, which is likely the source of the moisture behind your wardrobe.
Your first step is to formally notify the landlord or property management company in writing, including photos of the mold and a description of the health symptom. They are obligated to investigate and rectify the source of the moisture intrusion. For a persistent cough in a child, a professional inspection is strongly recommended to identify the mold species and the exact moisture source, as this provides concrete evidence for your request. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Settlement Center (RDSC) in Dubai. They will assess whether the issue constitutes a breach of the landlord's obligation to provide a habitable property. In the interim, improve ventilation in the room and consider using a dehumidifier, as our summer humidity consistently exceeds levels that encourage mold growth. Addressing the underlying moisture is the only way to prevent recurrence, even after cleaning. |
Please log in to post questions/answers: