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

Based on your description, this is a serious situation requiring immediate attention. The damp wall and visible black fuzzy patches, coupled with your children's respiratory symptoms, are strong indicators of an active mold infestation, likely Stachybotrys chartarum (true "black mold") or another toxigenic species.

Under UAE tenancy law, specifically Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, the landlord is unequivocally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. This includes addressing the root cause of the dampness, which is almost certainly a structural issue such as a leaking pipe within the wall, faulty external waterproofing, or condensation from an aging AC system—all common in Dubai's humid climate where AC is run year-round. The remediation of the mold resulting from their failure to maintain the property is therefore also their legal obligation.

However, for the health of your family, do not wait. The act of disturbing the mold to remove it can aerosolize millions of spores and mycotoxins, severely aggravating respiratory conditions. This is not a DIY cleaning job with bleach.

You must formally notify your landlord in writing of the issue and demand a professional mold inspection. This inspection should include thermal imaging and moisture meters to identify the hidden source of the water intrusion and borescope inspections to assess contamination inside the wall cavity.

For a definitive assessment and to ensure the remediation is conducted to international IICRC S520 standards, I strongly recommend you engage a certified specialist like Saniservice. We can provide a comprehensive report for your landlord, detailing the cause, extent of contamination, and the required protocol for remediation, which strengthens your position.

Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for an immediate consultation. Your children's health is the priority.