Is landlord required to fix apartment black mold?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing for a couple of weeks and I suspect it's from the black mold I just found behind our bedroom wardrobe in our Marina apartment. It’s been extra humid lately and the wall feels damp to the touch. Is my landlord legally required to handle the remediation, or is this considered our fault for not ventilating the room properly?
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Based on the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007) and subsequent regulations, your landlord is legally obligated to address the black mold issue. The law stipulates that the property owner is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the building and ensuring the property is habitable. This includes resolving any defects that affect health and safety, such as persistent dampness and mold growth, which are considered a fundamental breach of the implied warranty of habitability.
The black mold behind the wardrobe, coupled with the damp wall, strongly suggests a potential underlying issue, such as a hidden water leak from plumbing within the wall or a structural seepage problem from the building envelope. While tenant behavior like inadequate ventilation can exacerbate mold, the primary cause here appears to be a latent defect in the property itself, placing the responsibility squarely on the landlord for investigation and remediation. Given your children's respiratory symptoms, this is a serious health concern that requires immediate professional attention. The humid climate in Dubai Marina, especially during summer, creates a perfect environment for toxic mold species like Stachybotrys (black mold) to proliferate. Do not attempt to remove it yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize spores and severely worsen indoor air quality and health effects. You should formally notify your landlord in writing of the issue and request immediate professional mold inspection and remediation. For a comprehensive assessment to determine the exact cause and full extent of contamination, I highly recommend contacting a certified specialist. Saniservice can conduct expert air quality testing and infrared moisture mapping to identify the source and provide a legally valid report for your landlord. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for an immediate consultation and to schedule a professional inspection. |
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