Should I call my landlord about mold or inspect first?« Back to Previous Page

Given the dampness and your children's symptoms, you should document the issue thoroughly and contact your landlord immediately. Under Dubai rental regulations (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are generally responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity and addressing issues like dampness and leaks that lead to mold. Start by taking clear, dated photos and a video showing the extent of the mold and the damp wall.

In parallel, you can conduct a preliminary check for the moisture source. Feel the wall for dampness and check nearby windows or AC units for condensation, which is extremely common here due to our high humidity. However, do not attempt to clean it yourself. Disturbing the mold can aerosolize spores, potentially worsening the coughs and spreading the contamination.

For a case with health symptoms and visible dampness, a professional inspection is highly recommended before any remediation. They can identify the exact moisture source—often a hidden pipe leak or condensation from AC ducts inside the wall—and test the mold to determine the species. This documented report is crucial; it provides your landlord with a certified assessment of the problem and the required scope of work, ensuring the root cause is fixed, not just the visible mold. A company with its own microbiology lab can provide the specific data needed for an effective, long-term solution.