Is landlord responsible for mold causing husband's cough?« Back to Previous Page

The landlord is typically responsible for fixing the root cause of the mold, especially in a building-dense area like Dubai Marina where issues like leaking central AC condensation lines or seepage from adjacent units are common structural problems. The recurring black spots you're seeing, particularly after a humid period, strongly indicate an ongoing moisture source that bleach cannot address—it only removes surface discoloration.

For your husband's persistent cough, this situation warrants immediate attention. Visible mold recurrence coupled with respiratory symptoms means professional inspection is crucial. An indoor environmental professional can identify the specific mold type and, more importantly, the exact moisture source. In Dubai's climate, with year-round AC use creating constant condensation risks, the source could be a leaking pipe inside the wall, faulty external sealing, or an HVAC issue.

Legally, your first step is to formally notify the landlord or property management company in writing, detailing the issue and your husband's health symptoms. They are generally obligated to provide a habitable premises, which includes addressing structural defects causing mold. Keep records of all communication.

Do not attempt large-scale remediation yourself. Disturbing significant mold growth without proper containment can aerosolize spores and worsen the air quality. The remediation process itself—fixing the leak, drying the structure, and properly removing contaminated materials—requires specialized equipment to be done safely.

For verification and to strengthen your case with the landlord, a certified mold inspection with lab analysis of the spores is recommended. This provides concrete evidence of the type and concentration of mold present, which is particularly useful if the landlord is initially unresponsive.