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

Based on the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007) and subsequent regulations, the responsibility for mold remediation is determined by the source of the moisture. The landlord is unequivocally responsible for addressing structural or maintenance-related issues that lead to mold growth. This includes problems like leaking pipes, seepage from external walls or roofs, faulty waterproofing, or a deficient air conditioning system that fails to control humidity effectively. Given the location on the back of a closet, a common site for concealed pipework or external wall condensation, a structural origin is highly probable.

The landlord's claim that inadequate ventilation is at fault is a common but often incorrect dismissal. In Dubai's climate, with extreme exterior humidity and year-round AC use, condensation is a persistent challenge that building design and maintenance must account for. Merely running the AC is not sufficient if the unit is undersized, poorly maintained, or if there is an underlying insulation or construction defect allowing thermal bridging and cold surface formation.

Your children's coughing is a significant health indicator that should not be ignored. Prolonged exposure to Stachybotrys (black mold) mycotoxins can cause and exacerbate respiratory issues.

For a definitive resolution, you require a professional inspection. A certified mold assessor can identify the precise moisture source, conduct air and surface sampling to speciate the mold and determine spore count levels, and provide a detailed report. This report is crucial evidence to formally demand remediation from your landlord under UAE law. For an immediate assessment and to protect your family's health, I strongly recommend contacting the experts at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Their technical report will definitively assign responsibility and outline the necessary remediation protocol.