Is landlord responsible for mold inspection in Discovery Gardens?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing a lot for the past few weeks, and I’m starting to suspect it’s because of a mold problem in our bedroom closet. I found some black spots on the back wall when I was cleaning, and there’s a constant damp smell in there, even with the AC running. We’ve lived in this Discovery Gardens apartment for almost a year, but this only started after the last round of heavy fog.
Am I responsible for arranging and paying for a professional mold inspection myself, or is that something my landlord has to handle?
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Based on the symptoms you've described—persistent coughing in children, visible black spotting, and a constant damp odor—a professional mold inspection is strongly recommended. This combination of factors, particularly following the heavy fog, indicates a potential moisture intrusion and active microbial growth that can significantly impact indoor air quality and health.
In the UAE, the responsibility for maintenance and repairs, which includes addressing the root cause of mold (such as water leaks, seepage, or faulty AC drainage), typically falls on the landlord as per standard tenancy contracts under Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended). The landlord is generally obligated to provide a habitable property. However, the initial cost of a professional inspection to identify and document the problem is often the tenant's responsibility. This inspection report is crucial evidence to formally request and compel the landlord to perform the necessary remediation work. Given the climate in Discovery Gardens, with high humidity and year-round AC use, condensation within closets on exterior walls is a common failure point. The inspection must include moisture mapping and thermal imaging to pinpoint the moisture source, which could be a leak or, more commonly, condensation due to poor insulation. For a definitive assessment and a report that holds legal weight with your landlord, I advise engaging a certified environmental inspector. Our team at Saniservice specializes in such investigations and can provide the documentation needed. You can reach us for a consultation at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or hello@saniservice.com. Do not attempt to clean the visible growth yourself, as this can aerosolize spores and exacerbate the health issues. |
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