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

We've lived in our Jumeirah apartment for two years and just noticed black spots spreading along the wall behind our bedroom wardrobe. My youngest has developed a persistent cough that gets worse at night, and I'm starting to suspect it's mold asthma. I've read that the humidity here can cause this. Am I responsible for the cleaning and medical costs, or is this something my landlord needs to fix since it's inside the wall?
Posted by Giuseppe Torres
Asked on March 17, 2026 11:03 am
Based on your description, this is a very serious situation that requires immediate attention. The black spots behind the wardrobe are a clear visual indicator of a mold infestation, and your child's nighttime cough is a classic symptom of mold-induced respiratory irritation, often referred to as "mold asthma."

Under UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is unequivocally responsible for the structural integrity and maintenance of the property. This includes addressing issues like water infiltration, leaking AC units, or rising damp that are the root cause of the mold growth inside the wall. Since the problem is not due to your negligence (e.g., intentionally flooding the apartment) but is a building envelope issue, the remediation cost falls on the landlord. You should formally notify them in writing with photo evidence and request immediate corrective action.

However, for your child's health, you cannot wait. I strongly recommend you do two things concurrently:

1. Seek Medical Advice: Have your child evaluated by a pediatrician or pulminologist to properly diagnose the cough and get appropriate treatment.

2. Get a Professional Inspection: Do not attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing the mold will release a massive amount of spores and mycotoxins into your bedroom air, severely exacerbating the health issue. A certified inspector can conduct air and surface sampling to identify the mold species and the exact moisture source, providing a legally defensible report for your landlord.

This is a critical health and safety issue. For immediate professional assessment and a formal report, you should call our team at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We can document everything for you and provide the necessary remediation protocol for your landlord to follow.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 20, 2026 10:42 am