Is Dubai landlord responsible for black mold treatment?« Back to Previous Page
|
My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's from the black stuff I just found behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom. We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed it, but it's spread along the entire wall that faces the outside. The room has felt damp for a while, especially since the humidity started.
What's the fastest way to get this professionally treated here in Dubai, and is this something my landlord is legally required to handle?
|
|
Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity and ensuring it is habitable. This includes addressing underlying issues causing mold, such as water leaks from pipes, roofs, or faulty external waterproofing that allows moisture to seep into the wall. Since the mold is on an exterior wall and you've noted persistent dampness, this strongly suggests a building envelope or leak issue, which is the landlord's responsibility to rectify.
You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photos, about the mold and its suspected cause. They are obligated to investigate and fix the source of the moisture intrusion. For immediate relief, especially with children experiencing symptoms, improve ventilation in the room by running a dehumidifier and ensure your AC unit is clean and draining properly to reduce indoor humidity, a common catalyst in Dubai's climate. The actual remediation of the mold itself can be a point of negotiation, but the landlord must solve the water problem. For a case of this size and with health symptoms present, professional inspection and remediation are advised. A proper assessment can identify the mold species and the exact moisture source, creating a report that strengthens your case with the landlord. Remediation involves containing the area, safely removing contaminated materials, and treating the wall to prevent regrowth, which is crucial after the leak is fixed. |
Please log in to post questions/answers: